Fugitive with military style weapons nabbed in Phuket

A dramatic chase in Phuket ended with the arrest of a 37 year old man wanted for a violent home invasion, armed with military-style weapons.

Thanongsak Jennari, from Koh Yao Yai, was apprehended by police on Tuesday, September 10, near Bang Rong Pier, Phuket, after trying to flee from justice by hiding in a mangrove forest.

Police had been on Thanongsak’s trail for weeks. He was wanted under arrest warrant No. 172/2567, issued by Phang Nga Provincial Court on August 5, following a terrifying incident involving armed threats and a planned attack on rivals.

According to police, the charges include attempted physical harm, armed home invasion, and illegal firearm possession. The report details how Thanongsak, along with a group of accomplices, had allegedly broken into a home under the cover of darkness, armed and ready to strike.

“Thanongsak was part of a group of men plotting an assault against a rival party.”

Officers from Region 8 Police, Phuket Provincial Police, and local forces from Phang Nga and Koh Yao worked together to capture the fugitive. Thanongsak had attempted to escape into the dense mangrove forest but was quickly cornered near a local restaurant.

After his arrest, Thanongsak confessed his identity and acknowledged the charges against him. He was escorted to Koh Yao Police Station, where he now awaits further legal proceedings, reported Phuket News.

Police are continuing their investigation to bring other individuals involved in the planned assault to justice.

In related news, police apprehended a suspect with three outstanding warrants after he evaded capture for years by hiding in Malaysia. The suspect was caught upon returning home to visit his family on July 2.

Reports indicate that under the direction of Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai, the commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 5, and with orders from Kritthaphob Kaewrot, Deputy Inspector of the Cyber Crime Investigation Group 4, the police executed an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on December 13, 2022.