Police in Phuket are conducting an urgent manhunt after a drug suspect escaped custody while being transferred between police stations late Friday night. The incident, which occurred on November 21, has raised serious questions about police handling and communication after the suspect fled while still in handcuffs.
The escapee, identified as 37-year-old Ex Chanaphai from Surat Thani, had been arrested earlier in the morning by Thalang District officers. According to police reports, Chanaphai was detained at approximately 1:17 a.m. at a residential building in Wichit. Officers seized 12 methamphetamine pills, 0.59 grams of crystal meth, drug-related paraphernalia, a mobile phone, and a Honda Wave motorbike during the operation.
Following his arrest, Chanaphai was placed in custody and later transported by Thalang officers to Wichit Police Station for further processing. However, during the transfer, he allegedly pushed past escorting officers and sprinted into the darkness. Despite being restrained by handcuffs, he managed to evade police, prompting an immediate search of the area.
Deputy Chief of Wichit Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wutthiwat Liangboonjinda, said officers are now reviewing CCTV footage across multiple routes in hopes of tracking the suspect’s escape.
“We checked every route he might have run to. It was late at night and very dark. He ran while still handcuffed, and we couldn’t see which way he went,” Wutthiwat stated.
Authorities say they are examining cameras throughout Wichit and neighboring districts, but so far, there have been no confirmed sightings. Officers have also expanded patrols in the area, suspecting the fugitive may still be hiding within the vicinity.
Adding to the controversy, the escape was not officially reported to Wichit Police until more than 16 hours later — a delay that has sparked internal scrutiny. The formal report was filed at 5:01 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, by Deputy Thalang District Chief Chaiporn Yangchin. According to statements, officers have yet to clarify why the significant delay occurred or why multiple officers were unable to restrain the suspect during transfer.
Wichit Police have since logged the incident as Criminal Case No. 602/2568 and are in the process of securing an arrest warrant to intensify the search. Investigators are now working on retracing the suspect’s movements, interviewing witnesses, and examining whether any procedural errors may have contributed to the escape.
As the manhunt continues, police are urging members of the public who may have seen Chanaphai or possess relevant information to come forward immediately. Authorities emphasize that the suspect is still believed to be in handcuffs and may attempt to seek assistance or hide in less monitored areas.
The escape has renewed concerns over prisoner transport protocols, especially in cases involving drug-related offenses. Phuket police say further internal review will follow once the suspect is apprehended.
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