Intensified manhunt underway in Trang’s mountainous terrain for escaped prisoner Chaowalit Thongduang, alias Sia Paeng, with specialized jungle soldiers and local police joining forces to capture the fugitive. Heavy rains and rugged landscape have made vehicle assistance impractical, requiring a search on foot. #Manhunt #EscapedPrisoner #CaptureInProgress #TrangMountainousTerrain #ArmedAndDangerous #SpecializedSoldiers #LocalPolice #Reinforcement #CooperationUrged #CriminalHistory #CaptureImminent
Jungle Specialists Join the Search
In an effort to capture the fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, alias Sia Paeng, specialized jungle soldiers have joined the police forces in the dense forests of the Banthad mountain range in Trang province. The military personnel, hailing from Naresuan Camp in Phetchaburi province, arrived early Saturday to provide their expertise in navigating the challenging terrain.
Challenges on the Ground
The search teams, initially comprising over 30 motorcycle officers from the regional police, are confronting not only the complexity of the jungle but also the added obstacle of continuous heavy rains. The rugged landscape has rendered vehicle assistance impractical, necessitating a search on foot.
Regional Reinforcements
In a show of concerted effort, additional officers from the Southern border provinces, including Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, have been called in to bolster the numbers. Despite the arduous conditions, police have maintained a stance of confidence regarding the imminent capture of the elusive convict.
Local Cooperation and Investigations
As part of the operation’s strategy, the local populace, who are accustomed to foraging in the forests, have been urged to steer clear of the mountain range for the upcoming 48 hours. Concurrently, authorities have executed warrants on the residences of individuals suspected of aiding Chaowalit during his escape.
Escalating Law Enforcement Efforts
Particular attention has been given to the home of Chaowalit’s cousin, Kasidchart, in the Muang district of Phatthalung. The Central Investigation Bureau, following leads of his involvement in the escape plan, conducted a thorough search and confiscated two mobile phones to scrutinize for potential communication with Chaowalit. Kasidchart is currently under questioning, and charges are expected to be filed against him.
The Escape Incident
The pursuit intensified following a shootout on Wednesday between the police and Chaowalit, alongside unidentified accomplices, in Trang’s mountainous hideout. The escapee was reportedly armed with advanced weaponry and an ample supply of ammunition.
Background of the Fugitive
Chaowalit Thongduang, who received a 20-year sentence for attempted murder from the Phatthalung Provincial Court, has been embroiled in various criminal activities, including murder. His escape from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, where he was being treated for dental issues and alleged severe leg pains, was facilitated by an unknown cohort on October 22. Despite heavy security measures, including leg chains and bed restraints, he managed to abscond.
Criminal History and Sentencing
Having started his sentence in January at Phatthalung Prison, Chaowalit was transferred in August to Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison. His history of violence includes an armed attack on police during an abduction attempt in September 2019.
Surveillance and Arrests
Since his escape, the police have arrested several individuals connected to the incident. Surveillance images from the hospital’s CCTV have provided valuable insights into the escape, leading to these subsequent arrests.
Keywords: prison escape, Chaowalit Thongduang, Sia Paeng, Banthad mountain range
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the escaped prisoner and what is his criminal background?
Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng, is the escaped prisoner with a history of serious criminal activities, including attempted murder for which he received a 20-year sentence. His criminal record is marked by an armed attack on police during an abduction attempt in September 2019. He started his sentence in January at Phatthalung Prison and was transferred to Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison in August. Notably, his escape from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, where he was being treated, was facilitated by an unidentified accomplice.
What efforts are being taken to capture the fugitive?
An intensified manhunt is underway in Trang’s mountainous terrain to capture Chaowalit Thongduang. Specialized jungle soldiers from Naresuan Camp in Phetchaburi province have joined local police forces, and additional officers from Southern border provinces have been called in for reinforcement. The challenging conditions of heavy rains and the impracticality of vehicle assistance have necessitated a search on foot. Surveillance and arrests related to his escape have been made, and the local population has been urged to avoid the forest areas to facilitate the search.
How have the local authorities engaged the community in the manhunt?
Local authorities have urged the populace, who are familiar with the forest terrain, to steer clear of the Banthad mountain range during the 48 hours following the manhunt announcement. They have also executed warrants on the residences of individuals suspected of aiding Chaowalit during his escape, including the home of his cousin, Kasidchart, who is under questioning and likely to face charges. Community cooperation is critical to the success of the manhunt, and the police are leveraging local knowledge and resources to track down the fugitive.
