NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — 3 June 2026, Police in southern Thailand have arrested a man who allegedly fled a rehabilitation centre, committed theft and later terrorised residents by carrying a shotgun and firing warning shots in a village.
Police identified the suspect as Atthawit Thongsong, who had reportedly escaped from a treatment and rehabilitation facility operated by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Volunteer Defence Corps.
According to police, the suspect was known for erratic behaviour and had recently been linked to thefts in the area.
Residents reported seeing him riding a motorcycle through villages in Chulabhorn district while carrying a long-barrelled firearm. Witnesses said he fired shots into the air, causing fear among local residents.
Police launched a manhunt after receiving reports of the armed suspect.
Officers later spotted him riding a motorcycle along the Ao Sri Muang road in Na Mo Bun subdistrict and attempted to make an arrest. However, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot while carrying the weapon.
Investigators later learned he was hiding in a house in Moo 3 of Na Mo Bun subdistrict. Police surrounded the property and took him into custody without further incident.
Authorities seized a shotgun and one round of ammunition.
The suspect was taken to Chulabhorn Police Station, where a drug test allegedly returned positive for methamphetamine use.
Police charged him with:
- Illegal possession of a firearm
- Carrying a firearm in a public place without authorisation
- Using a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine)
He was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
