Intense manhunt for Thai fugitive Chaowalit persists despite lack of leads

The hunt for the fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang continues unabated, albeit without any solid leads to his whereabouts. It has been 15 days since law enforcement agencies initiated the intensive manhunt for Chaowalit, also known as Sia Paeng, in the Bantud mountain range, following a heated confrontation.

Despite the relentless efforts of special operations units from Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the 54th Thai Border Patrol Police from Phetchaburi, along with the 43rd and 44th Border Patrol Police units, the fugitive remains elusive.

The authorities, both from the checkpoint and the hunting team, are on constant vigilance at various points and bases. However, they are primarily waiting for orders from their high-ranking officials on whether to continue the search or withdraw, given the exhaustion and the challenging weather conditions. The rain-soaked personal clothes and shoes indicate the need for a fire to dry them, reported KhaoSod.

Locals have provided information hinting that the 37 year old Chaowalit may have escaped from the Bantud mountains on the day of the clash itself. Singh Chanasit, the village head of Moo 9, Pa Pong Village, Tahmod District, Pattalung Province, believes that the fugitive fled from the mountains on the very first day. He reasoned that the distance from the confrontation point to Pa Pong village is a mere three-hour walk to the edge of the village forest.

According to Sing’s understanding, a person on the run would seek a safe place rather than delving deeper into the forest. Therefore, like other villagers, he believes that Chaowalit has already fled from the forest. However, he remains uncertain about the direction the fugitive may have taken.

In related news, an additional prison warden has been issued an arrest warrant regarding Chaowalit Thongduang’s case. Chaowalit escaped from Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22. To read more about the story click HERE