Crime Manhunt Underway for Suspect Who Assaulted and Robbed Forest Officer in Phayao

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy captured from CCTV.

 

A manhunt is underway after a suspect who assaulted and robbed a female forest officer fled across provinces, initially hiding in Lamphun. The crime took place in Phayao Province, and the suspect is believed to have escaped to a relative’s home in the rural area of Lamphun.

 

On April 27, authorities in Lamphun’s Wang Nuea District, led by District Chief Thosapol Chakkaraphun and local police, raided the Pong Tham area of Wang Thong Subdistrict. The search follows a court-issued warrant for 31-year-old Arun Tonsee, who is accused of assaulting and robbing a female officer from the forest fire control unit in Phayao. Arun allegedly fled the scene on a motorcycle, crossing provincial borders to hide at his relative’s home in Lamphun.

 

On the evening of April 26, Arun’s parents attempted to assist authorities by leading them to a location deep in the forest behind the village, hoping to convince Arun to surrender. Despite over an hour of negotiations, the suspect remained uncooperative and managed to evade capture by riding his motorcycle through the police blockade, heading towards the Wang Nuea-Payayao Road. Police pursued him, but he managed to escape again.

 

Authorities later received a tip-off from a local resident, reporting that Arun had returned briefly to the village to collect clothes before fleeing again, heading back towards Phayao. Police have now intensified their search efforts in the direction of Phayao.

 

Thosapol Chakkaraphun, the Wang Nuea District Chief, confirmed that the suspect was considered dangerous and may be armed. He stated that authorities had attempted to communicate with the suspect’s family in hopes of convincing him to surrender peacefully. However, Arun’s whereabouts remain unknown as he has reportedly fled back towards Phayao.

 

Surveillance footage from April 27 shows Arun entering the village early in the morning, before fleeing once again. Authorities continue their pursuit of the suspect, urging local residents to remain vigilant.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-04-28.

 

 

 

 

[flyingtlger]

12 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

the suspect remained uncooperative and managed to evade capture by riding his motorcycle through the police blockade

Reminds me of:

 

[sammieuk1]

Is that the motorcycle he rode through the blockade on?  if it was I could catch him on my zimmer frame 🤔

 

[JoePai]

evade capture by riding his motorcycle through the police blockade

 

The cops don't have guns in that part of the country ?