A suspect who had been evading arrest for over 19 years was apprehended at a hospital in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. This followed a chance hearing by Central Investigation Bureau officers from Police Region 6 who were accompanying their mothers for health check-ups.
On October 18, 2024, reports indicated the arrest of 49-year-old Suraphai Petchapan, who had been wanted since June 8, 2005, for charges of “intentional homicide and illegal possession of firearms.” With only five months left before the statute of limitations expired, Suraphai was forced to seek medical treatment due to an unbearable tumor in his leg, after remaining hidden for nearly two decades.
The case dates back to mid-2005, when a shooting incident occurred on Sanhianusan road in Hat Yai, resulting in a death. Police investigations identified Suraphai as the perpetrator, who fled the scene and successfully avoided capture for 19 years.
On the day of his capture, a police officer happened to hear Suraphai’s name called while waiting in the hospital. Recognizing it as the wanted suspect, he called for backup to investigate further.
Suraphai was seen at the hospital with relatives, matching descriptions from police surveillance. After his medical appointment, officers approached him in the parking lot, presented their identification and arrest warrant, leading to his detention before being taken to the local police station for processing.
Initially, Suraphai denied the charges, claiming he was in a restroom when the gunfire started and only fled the scene out of fear, unaware that he had a warrant out for his arrest.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
