Recently, a press briefing presented an impressive cache of seized items. These were no ordinary belongings, but equipment, survival kits, firearms, and ammunition, all suspected to belong to the elusive fugitive prisoner, Chaowalit Thongduang, known in secretive circles as Sia Paeng Nanod. This display was not set up in a police station or evidence room, but in the very region where Chaowalit had been hiding, the mountainous Banthad locale spanning across Patthalung and Satun provinces.
Invisible threads of tension weave-through the verdant mountains and serene valleys, binding both nature and man under an eerie stillness. The residents in the environment have been gently nudged to evacuate temporarily, to facilitate police operations seeking to locate and apprehend the fugitive. These operations center around the intrepid Chaowalit, who had daringly escaped watchful eyes during a hail of bullets on Wednesday, located in Trang’s Palian district. The pursuit of the notorious Sia Paeng Nanod unfolds within the labyrinthian landscape of the Banthad mountain range.
In an urgent effort to tighten the drive, authorities from the neighboring regions of Manang and Thungwa in the Satun province have stationed checkpoints on their borders, directing relentless 24/7 scrutiny on travelers. The fugitive, along with his armed support, is believed to have sought refuge deeper into the eastern forests of the mountain range, making search operations challenging but relentless.
Simultaneously, collaborative law enforcement operations are also sweeping through the Banthad wildlife sanctuary areas. The tireless officers from the Crime Suppression Division unite with forest patrol officers in these operations. Meanwhile, the rugged outdoor terrains are navigated on motorcycles by officers from the Provincial Police Region 9 and local police in Trang.
A local resident, Suthon, explained that police had recommended a temporary evacuation lasting two days. He added that his family, prioritizing their well-being, have agreed to comply. Noting the ongoing manhunt, they have resolved to avoid the rubber plantation where they work until the situation is safely resolved.
Village assistant head, Chokechai Limma, confirmed that cautionary directives have been issued. Villagers like Pairote Damplab are eagerly awaiting a conclusion. As a local resident in Satun’s Manang district, he is concerned about the indigenous Mani people, whose livelihood depends on the collection of forest goods.
Strikingly, a house owner in Phatthalung’s Muang district wasn’t expecting an early morning surprise when police, from the Central Investigation Bureau on a Saturday, raided his property. The unexpected search led to the seizure of two mobile phones. The owner, known as Kasichart and identified as Chaowalit’s cousin, was promptly whisked away to the Muang Phatthalung Station for questioning. Provisions have been made for criminal charges to be brought against him should there be concrete evidence of assistance in Chaowalit’s breakout.
Chaowalit, 37, was previously serving time for attempted murder. Unfortunately, he ceased to be a resident of the high-security facility on October 22. The circumstances of his escape were as intriguing as they were dutifully planned. Under the pretext of requiring dental treatment, he was admitted to Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, and nobody predicted him escaping overnight despite restraints.
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