Odds-on arrest: Bangkok cops nab bookie after tense standoff

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police successfully apprehended a 30 year old suspect in a bookie case, following a tense confrontation where the man aimed a gun at officers to facilitate his escape. The arrest, which took place yesterday, yielded drugs, a firearm, and ammunition.

The suspect, Teerapol, also known as Doe Po Pan, wanted on charges of fraud and entering false computer data likely to cause damage to the public, had been evading capture since May 7. When police attempted to detain him around 7.30pm, he resisted and aimed his weapon at the officers, sparking a manhunt.

Alongside Teerapol, two women, 46 year old Paphada, and 36 year old Thanawaran, were also arrested. The operation led to the seizure of a homemade .38 calibre pistol with two magazines, 16 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition, 18 grammes of crystal methamphetamine or ice, eight methamphetamine pills, and drug paraphernalia.

The initial confrontation and subsequent arrests took place around a convenience store in the Chok Chai 4 Soi 24 area of Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district, which continued to a nearby lodging on Chok Chai 4 Soi 25.

Teerapol’s capture resulted from comprehensive surveillance and pursuit efforts by the Division 2 Crime Suppression Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. The investigation was spearheaded by the Deputy Chief of the Division.

The suspect observed riding a blue and black Honda PCX motorcycle, fled as police tried to apprehend him, leading to a chase that ended with an accident at the end of Soi Po Pan.

Police shootout

Teerapol pulled out his firearm, prompting a police response shot into the air to halt the suspect’s actions. However, he managed to flee on foot from the scene.

The pursuit intensified because Teerapol was considered dangerous to the public and law enforcement officers. Police eventually located him in front of a convenience store at the intersection of Chok Chai 4 Soi 24 and took him into custody. A follow-up search of the room where Teerapol was staying led to the discovery of the aforementioned women and the confiscated items, reported KhaoSod.

Teerapol’s actions, particularly his use of a firearm to obstruct his capture, were deemed perilous to nearby civilians and police officers. The police chief emphasised the arrest as a lesson in the apprehension of suspects, regardless of the case, underscoring the need for caution to ensure safety.

The operation was part of a larger crackdown on crime in the Bangkok region, demonstrating the police’s commitment to maintaining public order and safety.