Pattani—
On January 1st, 2024, Thai central investigative officers captured a wanted criminal according to an arrest warrant from the Pattani Provincial Court at Pattani Hospital in Mueang, Pattani.
The suspect was publicly identified only as Mr. Manase, 33, on charges of conspiring to attempt murder on officers, conspiring to obstruct officers from performing duties, conspiring to possess firearms, and conspiring to carry weapons in a public area without permission.
According to a report by the officers, on July 5th, 2023, Pattani police officers set up a checkpoint on 418 Road, Pattani. Manase and Mr. Thanaruk, a 36-year-old suspect, reportedly drove a sedan to the checkpoint and were asked for an inspection.
However, the two suspects reportedly brought assault rifles, AKA, to shoot at the police officers at the checkpoint. Luckily, there were no casualties or injuries reported as the officers took an armored truck as a shield, said the police.
The two suspects zoomed off from the scene and left their vehicle behind to walk on foot in the jungle. The police then requested backup squads of more than 100 officers and a helicopter to search for the suspects. The suspects were able to escape, reported the police.
The Thai central investigative officers were able to track down Manase who went back to the Pattani area and found out that Manase frequently visited Pattani Hospital to pick up his girlfriend. The officers were able to capture the suspect after an observation for a few days, said the police.
Initially, Manase reportedly denied the allegations and was escorted to Tuyong police station for further legal proceedings. The police pledged to investigate further to hold Thanaruk accountable for his crimes, who remained at large.
