Bangkok: The "hot-headed gunman," who had evaded capture for 15 years, was finally apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). Mr. Samrit, 43, was arrested on a public road in Moo 5, Ban Dan Nakh Kham Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. He was wanted on charges of attempted murder, possession of firearms without a license, and other related offenses.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident dates back to June 2011 in Loei Province, where Mr. Samrit shot a victim at close range during a dispute over a waitress. The victim, despite sustaining serious injuries, managed to drive to a hospital for treatment and subsequently filed a complaint with local police. The Loei Provincial Court had issued an arrest warrant based on the evidence gathered by investigators.
For over 15 years, Mr. Samrit remained a fugitive, constantly changing locations to evade capture. He was listed as the 98th suspect on the police arrest warrant list. Authorities finally tracked him down to Uttaradit Province, where they observed a man matching his description leaving a rented house. Upon confirming his identity, officers presented the arrest warrant and he was taken into custody. During initial questioning, Mr. Samrit confessed to all charges against him.