Pictures courtesy of Matichon

A 41-year-old man has been arrested outside his home in Pathum Thani for allegedly possessing an illegally imported Lamborghini, just weeks before an outstanding arrest warrant was due to expire. Police said the suspect, identified as Mr Samart, was detained on 27 January 2026 following a long-running investigation linked to a luxury sports car case dating back nearly a decade. The arrest prevented the case from reaching the statute of limitations, which was due to lapse in less than two months.

The arrest was carried out by officers from Sub-Division 5 of the Crime Suppression Division on the orders of Pol Maj Gen Phattanusak Bubphasuk, commander of the division. Mr Samart was taken into custody in front of his residence in Lat Sawai subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province. He was arrested under an arrest warrant issued by Phimai Provincial Court on 12 July 2022, warrant number 28/2565.

The case originated on 9 March 2016, when police at Phimai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima discovered a green Lamborghini sports car with red plates, registration number P 8888 Bangkok, parked outside Phimai Historical Park. The driver was Mr Phongphoj, also known as “Bas”, then aged 32, a well-known singer from the band Bangkaew. He was unable to produce any documents for the vehicle and told officers it belonged to a friend who had lent it to him.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Samart, then aged 32, came forward claiming ownership of the car and presented documents relating to its possession. However, the paperwork was incomplete, particularly lacking customs import documents and certification for vehicle modification. Police allowed 15 days for the documents to be completed and returned the vehicle, citing that the owner had a permanent address.

When the required documents were not produced, legal action was initiated and an arrest warrant issued for Mr Samart on charges of jointly concealing, possessing or handling goods known to have evaded customs duties or been imported illegally. He subsequently evaded arrest for several years. Police said he had been on the run until investigators traced him to Pathum Thani shortly before the case was due to expire.

Matichon reported that upon arrest, Mr Samart denied all charges. He has been transferred to investigators at Phimai Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated the case will now proceed in accordance with the law.

Key Takeaways

• A suspect was arrested on 27 January 2026 over an illicit Lamborghini case dating back to 2016.

• The vehicle was previously linked to a well-known singer who said he had borrowed it from a friend.

• Police made the arrest just weeks before the warrant was due to reach its limitation period.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-28

 

 

Bas...but not Boss!

Show me the Lambo!