Wanted Man Arrested After Crashing Through Police Checkpoint

Picture courtesy of Naewna

A 58-year-old man wanted for attempted murder of police officers has been arrested in Nonthaburi following a dramatic manhunt. The suspect, known by the alias “Chat Photharam”, had previously rammed his pickup truck into officers while fleeing a checkpoint, injuring two and causing significant property damage.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the successful arrest of Mr Noppanat, who was apprehended by officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) at a house in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi, where he had been hiding in his son’s rented home.

Mr Noppanat had been on the run since 2022 when he and accomplices were allegedly involved in smuggling illegal migrants into Thailand via a concealed compartment in a pickup truck. When stopped at a police checkpoint in Bang Pla Ma district, Suphan Buri, he accelerated through the barrier and escaped, while police detained around 20 undocumented migrants at the scene.

In 2023, Mr Noppanat was arrested and released on bail but failed to appear for his court date. This led to a second warrant being issued by the Suphan Buri Provincial Court for violating the Immigration Act. Intelligence later revealed that he was hiding in Ayutthaya province, prompting police to stake out his residence.

When officers approached him outside his Ayutthaya hideout, Mr Noppanat again fleed, ramming his pickup truck into the arresting team. Two officers were injured and a police vehicle was badly damaged. The incident prompted an additional arrest warrant from the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Court on charges of attempted murder of a public official, resisting arrest and causing property damage.

After extensive surveillance, police located Mr Noppanat at his son’s residence in Nonthaburi. A coordinated team including the elite Hanuman special operations unit raided the house in the early hours and found the suspect hiding on the second floor. He was arrested without further incident.

Mr Noppanat admitted to modifying the pickup truck, which was also used in the escape, changing its colour and hiding it at a garage in Lat Lum Kaeo, Pathum Thani, in an attempt to evade detection. The vehicle was later seized by investigators.

He has denied all charges during initial questioning. Police have transferred Mr Noppanat and the vehicle to Bang Pa-In Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Authorities have issued a public warning that attacking law enforcement officers is a serious offence under criminal law, carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment or even the death sentence under certain conditions. Resisting arrest, particularly with violence or in groups, is also punishable by several years of imprisonment.

Police urge the public to respect the rule of law and support law enforcement efforts to ensure safety and social order.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-05