Former Thai boxer Santi Jehalai, 39, was arrested after threatening police with a gun while fleeing multiple arrest warrants. He was cornered at a police checkpoint in Phothong, Nakhon Ratchasima, after taking a taxi for 8,000 baht to visit his child in Amnat Charoen. Santi had a history of theft across several provinces, including Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Saraburi, and Bangkok, to fund his drug addiction.
Santi, wanted by several police stations, initially escaped by climbing into the home of two siblings before threatening police during his arrest. His wife, Phajani Bunjalong, 42, attempted to distract authorities using a similar tactic but later decided to turn herself in, leading to Santi’s eventual capture after a police operation.
On October 7, police tracked Santi to his wife’s potential location and set up a checkpoint. When they recognized the suspicious taxi he was in, Santi attempted to escape on foot but was caught after falling. He was hospitalized for injuries and found with two guns and ammunition.
During interrogations, Santi confessed to his drug use and multiple thefts to support his habit, asserting he did not involve his wife in his crimes. He claimed to have taken the guns from a friend, although investigations revealed they were stolen items. Santi was found to have four outstanding warrants for various theft-related charges.
Santi’s criminal activities date back to September 2024, involving thefts across different regions and leading to serious criminal charges for attempted murder of police officers. He faces numerous charges as law enforcement continues to investigate his wide-ranging criminal activities.
Read more in the “Thai Rath Newspaper” column here.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
