POLICE RECAPTURE PATTAYA JAILBREAKER, 2 OTHERS STILL ON THE RUN
One of the suspects who staged a dramatic breakout from a Pattaya court turned himself in on Wednesday morning as police continue to search for his accomplices.
Authorities said Noi Nilthes, 40, one of the suspects who were previously arrested on drug-related charges, surrendered to police in the border province of Sa Kaeo province where a massive manhunt is ongoing. The other two suspects – the American Bart Allen Helmus, 39, and his Thai wife Sirinapa Wisetrit, 30 – are still on the run.
Noi stabbed a guard at the court building before fleeing the custody with Helmus and Sirinapa. The guard was hospitalized with injuries to his torso.
Sa Kaeo provincial police chief Maj. Gen. Prasai Chittisonthi said a province-wide police operation was launched on Tuesday to search for fleeing suspects, who are considered to be armed and dangerous.
Prasai said the operation involves more than 300 officers, drones, and a paramotor to provide a vantage point from the sky.
Meanwhile, two people were apprehended on Tuesday for helping the suspects in a getaway.
According to the police, a man identified as “Max” had been seen dropping off a pickup truck – which was used as a getaway car by the suspects – outside the Rojana Industrial Estate in Chonburi on Tuesday before his girlfriend “Orn” rode a motorcycle to collect Max from the scene.
The identity of the helpers has not been released, but the police said they have a close connection with Noi.
A 50,000 baht bounty has been offered by the police for information which leads to the recapture of suspects.
