Chaowalit Thongduang, a high-profile fugitive known as ‘Sia Paeng Nanod’, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia by a Thai court. The sentence, delivered on Dec 25, is in connection with a 2019 shooting at a restaurant in Phatthalung province.
The incident, which took place on September 9, 2019, in Phatthalung’s capital district, involved the attempted murder of a court assistant. Chaowalit and four accomplices were all found guilty and received life sentences. The group was also convicted of several other charges, including carrying firearms in public, resisting authorities, and assaulting state officials.
Chaowalit’s lawyer, Sub-Lt Chatchawal Bamroongwong, expressed uncertainty about an appeal, stating that Chaowalit would need to present himself in court to file it. It has been some time since the lawyer last had contact with his client, who has been evading authorities.
Chaowalit, already serving time for another attempted murder, escaped from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22, where he was taken for dental treatment. He is believed to have fled to the Banthad mountain range and left Thailand, possibly by a speedboat from Satun’s La Ngu district.
Chaowalit has released video clips alleging unfair treatment and issues with the handling of his bail application. The search for Chaowalit continues, with the case highlighting challenges in managing high-risk criminals in Thailand. (NNT)
