Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Woravit Mektrakarn, a man originally from Bangkok, Thailand has been extradited to the United States to face a murder charge in California after nearly 30 years on the run. Mektrakarn, 58, was wanted for the death of his employee Jose Garcia in 1996, related to Mektrakarn's noodle business in Ontario, California. Garcia was last seen on November 23, 1996, believed to have met Mektrakarn for a financial agreement before disappearing.

The case resurfaced in 2004 when a judge found overwhelming circumstantial evidence suggesting Mektrakarn murdered Garcia to prevent him from revealing illegal hiring practices. Mektrakarn fled the U.S., living under false identities in Myanmar and Cambodia for decades. In April 2024, Thai police captured him in Bangkok, leading to his extradition with help from U.S. authorities.

Mektrakarn was extradited and brought to San Bernardino by U.S. Marshals on January 16, 2025. He appeared in court on January 22, entering a not guilty plea to the murder charge. His bail request was denied, and he was remanded in custody pending trial.

A pre-preliminary hearing is set for February 17 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse. District Attorney Jason Anderson emphasized the perseverance of the justice system, noting the global collaboration that facilitated Mektrakarn's capture and extradition. Anderson stated, "This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed."

Looking forward, legal proceedings will continue with the scheduled hearing next month, as Mektrakarn faces potential trial in connection with the decades-old murder charge, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Woravit Mektrakarn is extradited to the US for a 1996 murder case.

• He was captured after living under fake identities in Southeast Asia.

• Legal proceedings are underway with a hearing set for February.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-27

 

 

Where did he get the money to live on in all those years???

I suspect the same way as everyone else gets money. He worked for a living or ran his own business. I doubt he was hiding out in a hotel room for 30 years. He was probably living a normal life.

If found guilty he will find a US prison much better than a Thai prison.

54 minutes ago, Hanuman2547 said:

If found guilty he will find a US prison much better than a Thai prison.

I don't think any Thai or US prisons will get a high ranking on tripadvisor

Bad luck for him, he appears to be one immigrant they do want in trumpland.

On 1/29/2026 at 3:16 AM, Hanuman2547 said:

If found guilty he will find a US prison much better than a Thai prison.

But much less than freedom. 🙂

Finally, some justice for Jose. 👍