Former Soldier on Police Wanted List Arrested at Funeral

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Crime suppression police have arrested a 68-year-old former soldier during a funeral in Songkhla province, ending a near three-year manhunt for a murder suspect listed on the national police most wanted list. The suspect was detained late at night after officers infiltrated the ceremony and seized him before he could resist, despite carrying a loaded firearm. Police said the arrest removed a long-sought fugitive considered armed and dangerous from the community.

The suspect, identified as Sergeant Preecha Chantana, was ranked 181 on the Royal Thai Police’s list of wanted individuals. He was wanted for the fatal shooting of Arun Chuchuay, 67, a long-time rival, who was killed in front of his home in Village 6, Bo Dan Subdistrict, Sathing Phra District, Songkhla, on the night of 24 August 2023. The Songkhla Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant on 25 August 2023, but the suspect evaded capture until this week.

Investigators learned that Sergeant Preecha had secretly returned to attend the funeral rites of his nephew at a multipurpose pavilion in Village 6, Wat Chan Subdistrict, Sathing Phra District. Officers from the Crime Suppression Division, led by Pol Lt Col Thanakarn Uchanaratmee of Sub-Division 6, disguised themselves as mourners to blend in with attendees. When the suspect appeared, police identified him wearing a wig and headscarf to conceal his identity.

Upon arrest, officers found the suspect carrying a .38 calibre revolver that was ready to fire. Police said the operation had been carefully planned, preventing any exchange of gunfire or injuries. The suspect was taken into custody without resistance and transferred for further legal proceedings.

Authorities charged Sergeant Preecha with murder and offences under Thailand’s Firearms Act. Police said the suspect denied all allegations during preliminary questioning. Investigators noted that his capture closes a high-profile case that had remained unresolved since 2023.

Daily News reported that police said the suspect will be handed over to investigators for formal interrogation and prosecution in accordance with the court warrant. Further legal steps will follow as the case proceeds through the justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Crime suppression police arrested a 68-year-old former soldier listed 181st on the national police blacklist.

• The suspect was detained at a funeral in Songkhla after officers infiltrated the event undercover.

• He faces charges of murder and firearms offences, which he denies.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-23