Paratroopers have joined the ongoing hunt for escaped prisoner Chaovalit Thongduang in the mountains of the southern province of Phattalung. Chaovalit has been on the run since October 22, when he fled the Nakhon Si Thammarat hospital where he’d been receiving dental treatment.

 

Thai PBS World reports that police paratroopers from a base in the central province of Phetchaburi have been deployed to assist in the manhunt. The officers are required to rappel in from helicopters as the terrain is covered in large trees, making it impossible to land there.

 

According to the report, four helicopters are combing the area for the missing prisoner, while also dropping supplies to officers involved in the search. It’s understood there are around 60 officials from the Corrections Department in Surat Thani taking part in the search.

 

By Peter Roche

Caption: PHOTO: Thai Rath

 

Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-13

 

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I thought they'd already shot this guy? Or were there 2 escapes or escapees on 22nd October?!

 

 

Massive manhunt underway for fugitive Chaowalit in Banthad mountain range
by Mitch Connor

 

Seized firearms, ammunition, survival kits and equipment believed to belong to fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang at the Banthad mountain range in Phatthalung and Satun provinces last week. PIcture courtesy of Bangkok Post.

 

A massive manhunt involving over 400 police officers and state officials is underway for fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. The search is concentrated on the Banthad mountain range, according to National Police Chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, who briefed the press on Monday.

 

The clothes discovered recently within the mountain range have tested positive for Chaowalit’s DNA, thus confirming his presence in the area. This discovery has marked the sixth day of the rigorous pursuit, during which Pol. Lt. Gen. Thana Chuwong, the acting deputy national police chief, has visited the area to monitor the progress.

 

The officers engaged in the hunt for Chaowalit hail from various departments including Provincial Police Regions 8 and 9 which cover the southern provinces, the Border Patrol Police Bureau, the Crime Suppression Division, the Scientific Crime Detection Division and the Department of Corrections.

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-14

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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So if it wasn't Chaovalit Thongduang they shot on November 8th who was it?

 

This is one confusing story.