Nakhon Ratchasima: An urgent search is underway for a male prisoner who escaped from Khao Phrik Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The prisoner, identified as Somporn, managed to flee just three months before his scheduled release. Clues indicate that he stole clothes and a motorcycle from a villager and rode into the forest. The prison has announced a 50,000 baht reward for information leading to his capture and has cautioned the public as he is armed with an 80 cm long knife.
According to Thai News Agency, the Khao Phrik Agricultural Industrial Correctional Institution has filed a complaint with the Khlong Phai Police Station. They have also enlisted the help of Hook 31 Nakhon Ratchasima rescue volunteers to search for Somporn, who escaped during a community service activity on January 27. Somporn was serving a sentence of 4 years and 4 months for illegal use and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. He was scheduled for release on April 27, 2025. Originally from Ban Kong Subdistrict, Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen Province, he is now on the run.
Over 30 officers, including police, prison staff, and rescue volunteers, are involved in the search. They have received additional support from the Subdistrict Administrative Organization and three subdistrict municipalities, nearly a hundred officers in total. Villagers reported seeing a man matching Somporn’s description in a cassava forest at Ban Sap Takhian, but the search has yet to yield results.
The search was paused temporarily at 2:30 a.m. due to challenging weather conditions but resumed with a focus on monitoring Somporn’s residence. By the morning of January 28, villagers reported that Somporn was hiding in a cassava field in Nong Bua, about 3 kilometers from his escape point. He allegedly stole sneakers, a red shirt, and a Honda Wave 100 motorcycle from a local resident, changing into the red shirt to disguise himself. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and expanding their search.
Mr. Thitiphan Manuchantharat, Director of Khao Phrik Agricultural Industrial Correctional Institution, has urged the public to report any sightings of Somporn to the Khao Phrik Agricultural Industrial Learning Center or local police, emphasizing the risk posed by his possession of a lengthy knife.