Inmate escapes from Thai prison, father urges surrender
A 37 year old inmate escaped from Khao Phra Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima province on January 27, just three months before his scheduled release in April. His father is urging him to surrender, concerned that his son might be harmed while on the run.
Somporn Promha, who was serving a sentence for drug-related offences, fled while participating in a community service programme outside the prison. Police, including police and correctional officers, are actively searching for him.
Reports indicate that Somporn stole clothes, trainers, and a motorcycle from locals in the Si Khieu district before changing his outfit and escaping on the stolen vehicle.
Yesterday, January 28, reporters visited Somporn’s family home in Khon Kaen province. The single-storey house was quiet, with no one present.
Neighbours mentioned that Somporn’s father, 52 year old Somsak, usually lives alone there but spends most of his time working in the fields at the village’s edge, raising cattle and farming.
Somsak expressed his shock and fear after learning about his son’s escape. He is worried that Somporn might resort to petty theft and end up getting killed due to his lack of money.
Police and the village headman visited Somsak, inquiring if Somporn had made any contact. They advised him to inform the police immediately if Somporn returns and encouraged him to persuade his son to surrender, assuring that officers would come to collect him at home.
Somsak shared insights into his son’s past, revealing that Somporn has been rebellious since childhood and frequently engaged in petty theft. Despite multiple arrests, his behaviour remained unchanged, ultimately leading to his involvement with drugs.
Somsak is puzzled by his son’s decision to escape so close to his release date and urges him to return, as the additional penalty for escaping would only extend his sentence by about a month beyond April, reported KhaoSod.
A reward of 50,000 baht (US$1,480) has been announced by Khao Phra Prison for information leading to Somporn’s capture. It has also been reported that he is armed with a long knife.
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