NAKHON SI THAMMARAT - A hunt has been launched for four drug suspects, one of them previously convicted of murder and considered dangerous, who escaped from a police cell in Muang district overnight.
The search for the fugitives has been made a priority, and police have been warned to approach them with caution.
They fled around 11pm on Thursday when Pol Sub-Lt Dong Uttanart, duty officer at Muang police station, was putting another suspect in their cell at Muang polic station.
As soon as the iron cell gate was opened, the four men inside attacked him, pushing him to the ground, and took off.
They were still at large on Friday.
(Photo by Nujaree Raekrun)
The four, alleged drug users and dealers, were identified as Yamin Chan-uthai, 19, Chalermphon Chanyang, 27, Santi Chanachai, 28, and Pongpan Phokhasawat, 37. All are natives of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Pol Sub-Lt Dong had previously taken another suspect, Chinorot Pajong, from the cell for interrogation. He was returning him to the cell when the four men inside forced the door wide open, pushed him down and fled.
Pol Col Adisak Theppawan, chief of Muang police, ordered an immediate hunt for the escapees. Police went to their homes but failed to find them. They have asked the escapees' relatives to help return them.
Pol Col Adisak on Friday morning called a meeting of senior officers and ordered they give priority to catching the fugitives, especially Santi.
A police source said Santi had previously been convicted of murder and drug offences. He had been arrested for the fifth time prior to his escape on Thursday night.
Pol Maj Gen Wanchai Ekpornpit, chief of Nakhon Si Thammarat police, said one of the fugitives was considered to be dangerous and extra caution should be taken in approaching him.
A fact-finding panel has been set up to investigate the officers on duty on Thursday night.