Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police in Nong Khai have arrested a man wanted on rape charges after artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance cameras flagged him as he attempted to cross the border.

 

The arrest comes as part of a nationwide crackdown on crime, ordered by the Royal Thai Police between 15–24 August, focusing on illegal firearms and the capture of fugitives with outstanding arrest warrants.

 

The Tourist Police Bureau, under the command of Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, has deployed AI-powered cameras in key tourist areas. The system cross-references live footage with a central criminal database to detect wanted suspects and high-risk individuals, helping to keep both tourists and residents safe.

 

On 20 August, officers from Tourist Police Station 5, Sub-Division 1, Division 2, received an alert from the AI system in Nong Khai. The system identified Mr. Prayoon, 33, wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Chonburi Provincial Court on 18 August.

 

He was charged with multiple counts, including rape by force or threat and the statutory rape of a child under 13 years of age. The original complaint had been lodged with Nong Kham Police Station in Chonburi in July, and the court issued a warrant just two days before his capture.

 

Police intercepted Prayoon before he could flee across the border into a neighbouring country. He was taken into custody and transferred to Nong Kham Police Station in Chonburi for further legal proceedings.

 

Authorities hailed the case as a success story for AI-assisted policing, which they say not only strengthens security in tourist destinations but also builds public confidence in law enforcement.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-21

 

 

 

On the first try of this AI it looks like they caught Pandaman 🤔