Crime Fugitive Arrested in Pattaya After 18 Years on the Run for Attempted Murder

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of TMN

 

Police in Pattaya have arrested a man wanted for an attempted murder committed nearly two decades ago, just two years before the statute of limitations was set to expire.

 

In a coordinated operation, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, joined forces with Chonburi Provincial Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakornsanan, Pattaya Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, and Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon. The operation was backed by the Special Operations Division and local investigative teams.

 

The suspect, 53-year-old Somphot, also known as “Tuk”, a native of Chumphon province, was apprehended while riding a motorcycle in Soi 11, Phonpraphanimit Road, Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district.

 

He was wanted under arrest warrant No. J.1725/2550 issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court on 3 December 2007 for the charge of attempted murder.

 

During interrogation, Somphot confessed to the crime. He recounted that around 18 years ago he had gone to collect a debt from a man, but the confrontation escalated. In an attempt to intimidate the debtor, he drew a firearm and fired a warning shot. However, the bullet missed its intended target and struck the debtor’s girlfriend in the abdomen, leaving her critically injured.

 

Realising the gravity of the situation, Somphot fled the scene, discarded the weapon in a waterway, and went into hiding. He initially stayed in Bangkok before relocating back to his hometown in Chumphon. Believing the case had long gone cold, he eventually returned to Pattaya to live with his new partner.

 

His confidence proved misplaced. Pattaya police investigators, who had kept the case file active, tracked him down and arrested him just two years before the 20-year statute of limitations would have made prosecution impossible.

 

Somphot has fully confessed to the charges. He was immediately handed over to Pattaya City Police for legal proceedings.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from TMN 2025-06-21

 

 

[mikebell]

A rare moment of congratulation from me for Pattaya BIB. I'd love to know how this was achieved without 'acting on information received'.

[Quentin Zen]

Smart Car always gets its man.  

[mushroomdave]

Getting better all the time, only 18 years to get this one BIB!!

ne BIB!!  

[Geoff914]

It took 18 years to find him. Just goes to show having an ID card is not all it is cracked up to be. Why was he only charged with attempted murder, what about critically wounding the girl friend?

[KhunBENQ]

Only two years left for preparing the indictment?

Not enough 🙄

[Briggsy]

Collect the 'don't arrest me' instalments for 18 years and then move in for the kill

[HappyExpat57]

Photo not blurred? Will wonders never cease.

[quake]

Better late than never.

Well done cops. 

[Magictoad]

On 6/22/2025 at 12:36 AM, Geoff914 said:

It took 18 years to find him. Just goes to show having an ID card is not all it is cracked up to be. Why was he only charged with attempted murder, what about critically wounding the girl friend?

Aren't they the same thing?

[Liverpool Lou]

On 6/22/2025 at 12:36 AM, Geoff914 said:

Why was he only charged with attempted murder, what about critically wounding the girl friend?

That was the attempted murder.