Thai Police Capture Notorious Gunman Thanawat at Surat Thani Resort
In a high-profile arrest that marks a major breakthrough for law enforcement in southern Thailand, police apprehended Thanawat, a 38-year-old gunman with nine outstanding warrants, at a resort in Chaiya district, Surat Thani, on April 22.
Major Crimes & Arrest Details
Thanawat’s long rap sheet includes murder, drug trafficking, and armed violence. The operation to capture him involved coordinated efforts from:
- Crime Suppression Division Region 9
- Officers from Surat Thani, Trang, and Phatthalung provinces
Police had tracked Thanawat from Trang, where he was last seen collecting a drug-related debt with his wife. Authorities surrounded the resort and engaged in nearly an hour of negotiation, anticipating armed resistance. It was his wife’s persuasion that ultimately led to his peaceful surrender.
Weapons Recovered
A search of Thanawat’s room revealed a disturbing cache of weaponry:
- M26 grenade (ready to use)
- .357 revolver with ammo
- Rifle with ammo
- Shotgun with ammo
Criminal Background
Some of Thanawat’s most serious offences include:
- July 26, 2023: Involved in the fatal shooting of durian trader Thanongsak during a 3 million baht debt collection in Tha Chana, Surat Thani.
- March 12, 2024: Shot and killed 35-year-old Sakulrat on a roadside in Cha-uat, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
- Survived an assassination attempt in Krabi where he was shot in the mouth, losing nine teeth.
What’s Next
Thanawat is currently undergoing interrogation to support further investigations. Authorities are expected to pursue legal proceedings swiftly, given the severity and scope of his alleged crimes.
This arrest is a significant blow to the criminal networks operating in southern Thailand, and police hailed the cooperation between provinces and agencies as a key factor in the operation’s success.
