5-10-2024 (BANGKOK) The wife of a former boxer who eluded capture following a dramatic house break-in in Bangkok has been slapped with five serious charges after a tense confrontation with law enforcement. The incident, which unfolded over Thursday night and into Friday morning, has left authorities scrambling to apprehend her husband, who remains at large.
Potjanee Boonlong, 42, appeared before the Criminal Court on Saturday as Bang Sue police sought approval for a 12-day detention period. The charges levelled against her include illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon without proper authorisation, brandishing a firearm in public without justification, unlawful detention, and possession of illicit drugs.
The chain of events began when Potjanee’s husband, Santi Jae-arlee, 39, forcibly entered a residence on Inthamara Soi 29 in the Phaya Thai district on Thursday evening. The former pugilist, already wanted on theft charges, found himself cornered by police and resorted to opening fire from within the house, where three occupants were trapped.
As the situation escalated, Potjanee arrived at a nearby abandoned building, seemingly distraught upon learning of her husband’s predicament. Police engaged in a protracted two-hour negotiation to de-escalate the situation as she threatened self-harm. However, in a sudden turn of events, Potjanee fled the scene, subsequently taking a police officer hostage at gunpoint and compelling him to drive towards Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya province. The ordeal came to an end on Friday morning when she finally surrendered to authorities.
Prior to her court appearance, Potjanee offered a public apology for her actions. Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Noppasil Phoonsawat, revealed that the woman admitted to drug use the day before travelling to Bangkok to meet her husband. He noted that the stress of learning about her husband’s fugitive status likely contributed to her erratic behaviour.
Meanwhile, the hunt for Santi Jae-arlee continues unabated. The former boxer managed to escape from the house on Inthamara Soi 29 after exchanging gunfire with police. Two brothers who were inside the property were safely rescued, while their mother had managed to flee earlier.
Pol Maj Gen Noppasil disclosed that two specialised police teams have been deployed to track down the elusive ex-boxer. The case has garnered significant public attention, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with armed and desperate individuals.
