Bangkok: Metropolitan Police Bureau arrested Mr. Chakit, also known as 'Chamnan,' 47, on charges related to aiding an accomplice in a premeditated murder. He was apprehended in Sri Racha District, Chon Buri Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest is part of a broader investigation into the supporters of 'Sergeant Em.' The investigation revealed that Mr. Chakit drove a gray Toyota 4-door pickup truck to facilitate Sergeant Em's escape to the Thai-Cambodian border at the Khao Din checkpoint in Sa Kaeo Province on January 7. Evidence of Mr. Chakit's involvement was crucial in obtaining an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court.
During the arrest, authorities found the gray Toyota pickup truck with a matching license plate and defects consistent with CCTV footage of the escape. Mr. Chakit confessed that he drove Sergeant Em to the border and identified himself as the man in the green shirt captured by CCTV. Investigations showed communication between Mr. Chakit and Sergeant Em began nearly four hours before the incident, prompting his arrest.
Mr. Chakit, however, denied knowledge of any crime committed by Sergeant Em, stating, "I have known Sergeant Em for about 2 years. I work as a taxi driver at the border area. I admit to driving him, but the truck was borrowed from a neighbor, and I was unaware of any crime."
Following his arrest, Mr. Chakit was taken to Chana Songkhram Police Station for further interrogation before being presented at Ratchada Criminal Court for detention. Bail was opposed due to concerns about potential flight risk and evidence tampering.