Pol. Col. Pongpichan Chayanonphiriya, Chief of Thung Yai Police Station, assured that the investigation is being conducted transparently without protecting the guilty in the case where Sergeant Theerawat opened the detention room door to take his close friend to visit his wife and children before the friend escaped custody.
On 11 Jan 2026, Thung Yai Police Station issued a statement regarding the suspect's escape and the legal action against those involved.
The incident involved Mr. Ekkalak, also known as Koo Dechpalit, a drug suspect who escaped from the Thung Yai police detention room at approximately 01:24 on 10 Jan 2026.
Supervisors, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Sitthichai Lokkanaphi, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornchai Khajornklin, Acting Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, and other officials, immediately ordered Pol. Col. Pongpichan Chayanonphiriya, Chief of Thung Yai Police Station, to investigate. It was found that Sergeant Theerawat Mee Sinchan, the duty officer, facilitated the suspect's escape from custody.
Current actions underway
Criminal case: Investigators have gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from Thung Song Provincial Court No. 15/2569 dated 10 Jan 2026. Sergeant Theerawat was arrested on the day of the incident and is being prosecuted under the law.
Regarding the search for the escaped drug suspect: A special task force comprising the investigation and suppression divisions, supported by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police Investigation Unit and the Region 8 Police Investigation Division, has been formed to expedite the capture of the fugitive.
Disciplinary action: Sergeant Theerawat, the offender, has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. Criminal charges are being pursued alongside disciplinary measures, with an emphasis that "no protection will be given to wrongdoers, whether they are government officials or not."
Thung Yai Police Station affirms that the case will be handled transparently to maintain public trust and confidence.
Initial investigations reveal that Sergeant Theerawat was under severe stress from the incident. He claimed to have been close friends with Mr. Ekkalak even before joining the police. After starting his duty as the detention officer, Mr. Ekkalak pleaded compassionately to be taken to visit his wife and children before being sent to prison for the last time. Trusting their prior relationship, Sergeant Theerawat took Mr. Ekkalak in his personal vehicle to his home in Kura Subdistrict, Thung Yai District. However, upon arrival, Mr. Ekkalak escaped custody and could not be restrained.