Arrest After 11-Year Manhunt: “Bang Ae” Captured in Mountain Hideout for Brutal Murder

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

After over a decade on the run, Thai police have arrested a notorious contract killer known as “Bang Ae”, wanted for the cold-blooded ambush and murder of a married couple in 2014. The arrest took place in a mountainous area of Trang province, where the suspect had been living in seclusion and working as a rubber tapper.

 

The dramatic capture occurred on the night of 17 April, when a heavily armed police unit ascended into the hills of Moo 5, Lipang Subdistrict, Palian District, and apprehended Ismaae 47, also known as “Bang Ae”. He had been the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Trang Provincial Court in June 2015 on multiple charges, including murder and illegal possession of military-grade firearms.

 

A reward of 100,000 baht had been offered by the Royal Thai Police for information leading to his arrest.

 

The murders date back to 2 May 2014, when Bang Ae allegedly used an AK-47 assault rifle to fire over 12 rounds into a Toyota Corolla on Maharaj Road, Yan Ta Khao District, Trang. The car crashed into an electricity pole, riddled with bullet holes.

 

Mr Weerapol, 26, who was driving, died at the scene from gunshot wounds to his shoulders, chest, and head. His wife, Ms Nitinan, 23, was seriously wounded and died shortly afterwards in hospital. Police found methamphetamine and spent shell casings at the scene.

 

Investigators later uncovered a dark web of motives: drug trafficking debts and a love triangle. Mr Weerapol had allegedly owed over 100,000 baht to Bang Ae for both drug deals and a loan to buy the vehicle. Furthermore, the suspect was reportedly having an affair with Ms Nitinan, which led him to fear retribution from her husband.

 

Authorities tracked the fugitive to a remote rubber plantation in Trang’s rugged mountains. After hiking 2km on foot, officers found the suspect shirtless and cutting wood. Initially, he denied his identity, claiming to be “Mr Witthawat”. However, when asked to name his parents, he hesitated and eventually gave a nervous smile. Upon being shown comparison photographs, he admitted his true identity.

 

Bang Ae had evaded capture for 11 years, having returned to the area under the radar. His face was featured in the national police’s most-wanted list in 2018, listed as number 93.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Piyawat Chaloemsi, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, led the operation along with local and regional police task forces, targeting influential criminals and hired gunmen. Authorities described Bang Ae as a “high-value target” due to the severity of his crimes and the length of his evasion.

 

Following his arrest, Bang Ae denied all charges, but has been remanded to Yan Ta Khao Police Station for formal legal proceedings.

 

Police vowed to continue their crackdown on fugitives and contract killers, calling the arrest a major success in restoring public trust and justice after more than a decade of waiting.

 

 

-- 2025-04-19

 

[flyingtlger]

19 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

A reward of 100,000 baht had been offered by the Royal Thai Police for information leading to his arrest.

So who gets to claim the reward?

 

 

[Rhys]

Hmmm Boss is next.... hmmm