Samui Court Escapee Arrested After Six-Day Manhunt

KOH SAMUI — Police on Monday arrested a suspect who had escaped from custody at the Koh Samui Provincial Court six days prior, after he was found hiding in the hills and allegedly came down to look for food. Warin, also known as “Tao,” was apprehended around 2 p.m. by officers from the Bophut Police Station, assisted by volunteer police and local residents who provided crucial information. The suspect had escaped on September 16 after allegedly removing his handcuffs while being transported to the court. He then fled into the surrounding natural terrain, reportedly spending several days in hiding on a mountain ridge. Pol. Lt. Col. Booncherd Maneechai, deputy chief of Bophut Police Station, stated that police teams had been continuously searching for the suspect since his escape. Officers received intelligence that Warin had descended from the mountain to find food. A search of a house in the area initially missed him by approximately five minutes, but continuous tracking led to his eventual arrest. During questioning at the Bophut Police Station, Warin provided confused answers. He initially claimed to not remember his name and insisted he had “done nothing wrong.” After repeated questioning, he acknowledged being Warin, or Tao, but continued to claim he had never been involved in any criminal cases. Regarding his escape from court, Warin admitted to being taken to court but denied intentional escape. He claimed his handcuffs came off on their own and that he decided to run upon noticing they were no longer secured. He stated he fled on foot through natural routes along mountain ridges and wooded areas, claiming he had not eaten while hiding and had secretly returned to sleep at his home for several days before his arrest. However, when police checked his home, they found evidence of him entering to eat, but arrived only about five minutes after he had left. His father, mother, and younger sister were found sleeping inside, and the suspect was not present. Police noted this inconsistency with his claim of staying and sleeping at the house for several days. Pol. Lt. Col. Booncherd reiterated that tracking the suspect was difficult due to his hidden location in mountainous terrain. He added that officers who interacted with the suspect found his answers confused and his denial of allegations persistent. Source: Khaosod English