CHIANG RAI, Thailand
After a tense five-day manhunt, police in Chiang Rai arrested Song Po, a 55-year-old suspect in a double homicide, when he emerged from hiding in the forest to ask villagers for food. Authorities say hunger and exhaustion ultimately led to his capture.
Hiding Along the Thai-Lao Border
The arrest occurred around 8:30 p.m. on June 13 in Tab Tao village, located in Thoeng district, Chiang Rai province. Officers from Wiang Kaen Police Station, regional special operations forces, and military units conducted the arrest following a public tip-off.
According to police, Song Po, whose surname was withheld, was wanted under a warrant issued by the Thoeng Provincial Court for intentional murder.
The crimes date back to June 8, when Song Po allegedly murdered his ex-wife and her younger brother at their residence in Pang Kha, Ban Po, within Wiang Kaen district. He fled the scene immediately after the attack, disappearing into the dense forest near the Thai-Lao border, a region known for its rugged and remote terrain.
Five-Day Manhunt with K9 Units and Rangers
In response, law enforcement launched a coordinated manhunt involving:
- Special weapons teams
- Border Patrol Police K9 units
- Local administrative officials
- Forest rangers and military personnel
Authorities focused their search in the remote, mountainous areas along the border, using tracking dogs and local intelligence to narrow down possible escape routes.
Caught While Begging for Food
On the evening of June 13, Song Po emerged from the forest and approached a local homeowner in Tab Tao village, asking for food. The homeowner, recognizing the suspect from news reports and community alerts, immediately notified authorities.
Police responded quickly and arrested him without incident.
Public Relief and Ongoing Investigation
Song Po is now in police custody as investigators prepare formal charges. Authorities are examining how he managed to survive in the forest, his escape route, and whether any individuals assisted him during his time on the run.
His arrest has brought relief to the local community, where fears had grown over the possibility of further violence while he remained at large.
Background: Domestic Dispute Turned Deadly
Preliminary reports suggest the double murder stemmed from a domestic dispute. Police say Song Po traveled to his ex-wife’s home in Ban Po, where an argument escalated into a fatal confrontation. He is accused of attacking both his former spouse and her younger brother, killing them before fleeing into the surrounding wilderness.
Further details, including the motive and autopsy results, are expected to be released following the completion of the investigation.
