Escape assistants in hot water: Arrest warrant brewing for prison break aiders
An arrest warrant is in the pipeline for two individuals who allegedly aided a prisoner in his escape, while CCTV footage from the prison is being thoroughly examined as a manhunt continues for the at-large escapee.
In a bizarre twist, the escaped prisoner, Chaowalit Thongduang, was reportedly overmedicated, sparking anger among law enforcement officers on the manhunt. Police are now intensifying their search in the Khao Barat-Khao Phap Pha area, with a special forces team preparing to launch an operation today.
This follows the escape of Chaowalit, also known as Sia Paeng, a prisoner facing charges of insurrection, who fled while receiving treatment at Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 5 and has evaded capture since.
Investigators at Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison have scrutinised the list of visitors to Sia Paeng over the past month and found at least ten individuals, including local politicians and influential figures from Phatthalung province.
Some of these visitors are suspected of being part of the 37 year old’s escape plan. Meanwhile, all CCTV footage related to the visits has been handed over to the investigative team.
The probe into those who might have assisted Sia Paeng in his escape is ongoing, with evidence being gathered from the CCTV footage. Another individual, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, is also linked to the case. Details about the individual have not been disclosed.
The white Mitsubishi car, owned by the mother of Jeerawut, or Poy, who assisted and fled with Sia Paeng, is also under investigation.
Reports are suggesting that Sia Paeng and Poy might have been hidden in a local politician’s resort. The politician in question has been interrogated, and a decision on whether to issue an arrest warrant for harbouring the fugitives is being considered, reported KhaoSod.
Regarding the investigation’s progress, police investigator Montree Wanakhong of Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station will question those involved in coordinating hospital appointments between the prison and the hospital.
There was information that the appointment had been postponed, but the prisoner was still taken to the hospital. Medical personnel who diagnosed Sia Paeng’s fainting and severe drop in blood pressure will also be questioned. Reliable medical information suggests that Sia Paeng might have overdosed on blood pressure medication to feign unconsciousness.
As law enforcement continues to pursue Sia Paeng, the search area in the forest and mountains has been narrowed down to Khao Barat and expanded to Khao Phap Pha, bordering Phatthalung, Trang, and Satun provinces, following some movements.
Police specialists in tactics have been called in to reinforce the team due to the challenging high-altitude terrain, which could give Sia Paeng an advantage if he is hiding there. The operation must be meticulously carried out, as Sia Paeng is believed to be armed with dangerous weapons.
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