Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers have arrested a 47-year-old murder suspect who had evaded capture for more than a decade by hiding in the monkhood, ending in a dramatic pursuit in mountainous terrain in Nakhon Phanom province that left some officers injured but the mission successful.

The arrest took place on 17 January 2026 following a targeted operation by the CIB’s Special Operations Division. The suspect, identified as Mr Santi, was wanted under a Phuket Provincial Court arrest warrant issued on 6 January 2015 for causing bodily harm resulting in death. During the arrest attempt at a forest monastery, he attempted to flee by jumping from a cliff more than four metres high before being apprehended after a chase of more than 500 metres along a ridgeline.

The case dates back to 30 August 2014 in Phuket, when Mr Santi allegedly assaulted Ms Nongyao inside a rented room, causing severe injuries. Investigators said he locked the room from the outside and fled the scene. Six to seven days later, the victim was found dead inside the room, prompting police to gather evidence that led to the issuance of the arrest warrant.

According to the CIB, Mr Santi went into hiding shortly after the incident and later entered the monkhood to conceal his identity. Intelligence now revealed that he was living as a monk at a religious retreat in Nakhon Phanom province. Officers planned the arrest carefully, formally identifying themselves and presenting the warrant while initially refraining from using restraints out of respect for his monastic status.

During the operation, the suspect claimed he needed to go to a hilltop Buddha image, stating that his disrobing had not yet been completed. Authorities said he then seized the opportunity to escape by leaping from the cliff and running into rugged terrain. Officers pursued him under difficult and hazardous conditions, resulting in injuries to some personnel before he was finally subdued.

Following the arrest, police carried out formal disrobing procedures in accordance with religious protocol. Mr Santi was then transferred to investigators at Patong Police Station in Phuket to face legal proceedings. He reportedly confessed to the charge during initial questioning.

Thaitabloid reported that the CIB stated that the operation underscored its commitment to pursuing fugitives regardless of how long they evade justice. Investigators will now proceed with formal prosecution under the law, while officers injured during the arrest are receiving medical treatment.

Key Takeaways

• A murder suspect wanted since 2015 was arrested after hiding as a monk for over 10 years.

• The arrest followed a dangerous chase after the suspect jumped from a cliff to escape.

• The suspect has confessed and been transferred to Phuket for further legal proceedings.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-18

 

 

Some temples do seem to become a safe haven for those wishing to escape a dodgy past and real jail-time...

I guess free-board and breakfast is attractive.

"...Thaitabloid reported that the CIB stated that the operation underscored its commitment to pursuing fugitives regardless of how long they evade justice..."

Wichian Klanprasert (the Thai police officer killed by Vorayuth Yoovidhya - grandson of the billionaire Red Bull co-founder) and his family, would probably dispute that statement!

The police work in mysterious ways. How on earth they found him we may never know.

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

"...Thaitabloid reported that the CIB stated that the operation underscored its commitment to pursuing fugitives regardless of how long they evade justice..."

Wichian Klanprasert (the Thai police officer killed by Vorayuth Yoovidhya - grandson of the billionaire Red Bull co-founder) and his family, would probably dispute that statement!

Money often talks a lot louder than the law or justice in the LOS - and indeed sadly in many other countries as well

I wonder how they found him? Some kind of tip off I expect.

A bit silly to just let him walk away to the edge of the jungle on his own, no matter the excuse. Could have saved themselves a bit of bother if they had accompanied him.