A male inmate convicted of drug offenses escaped from Doi Hang Temporary Prison. Relevant authorities are currently pursuing him and investigating the reasons behind the escape, which occurred after he met the criteria for imminent release.
According to the Department of Corrections' announcement, the Doi Hang Temporary Prison, under Chiang Rai Central Prison, reported that an inmate had escaped from the facility.
The Department of Corrections reported that on 26 Jan 2026, in the evening, Mr. Tanupat Yaka, 38, convicted under the Narcotics Act for methamphetamine offenses, escaped from Doi Hang Temporary Prison, part of Chiang Rai Central Prison. At 6:00 p.m., during inmate headcount before lights out, he was not found. Mr. Tanupat was a selected prisoner transferred to a preparatory training program for reintegration based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for fiscal year 2026. This special suspension of sentence program titled “Applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to the lives of inmates” is under the royal initiative of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, lasting five months, aiming to help inmates nearing release adjust to society and apply the philosophy to prevent recidivism. Mr. Tanupat met the preliminary criteria, and investigations into the cause of his escape are ongoing.
Currently, the Department of Corrections and Chiang Rai Central Prison have coordinated with police and related agencies to promptly track and arrest the escaped inmate. Anyone with information is urged to contact Doi Hang Temporary Prison at 080-4925695, 053-170558, or call emergency number 191, available 24 hours.
Regarding this matter, at 1:00 p.m. on 27 Jan 2026, Police Colonel Santipap Chotiphat, Chief of Chai Prakan Police Station in Chiang Mai province, inspected and ordered strict enforcement at the Pha Hong checkpoint. He was accompanied by Police Sub-Lieutenant Anongtui Thep, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Chai Prakan Police Station, other police officers, military personnel from the Black Control Unit of the Chaiyanuparb Task Force, and Border Patrol Police Unit 334. They intensified inspections and tracking in connection with the escape of Mr. Tanupat Yaka from the prison in Chiang Rai, anticipating his escape route would be through the Pha Hong checkpoint, which was instructed to enforce strict interception.
He also advised officers working at the checkpoint and roadblocks to be vigilant in intercepting major drug shipments hidden in agricultural cargo trucks (carrying ginger, corn, oranges) heading into inner regions. Officers were reminded to review operational tactics to comply with regulations and laws, emphasizing strict enforcement regarding foreign labor and narcotics.
Report any information via hotline 191.
• Fang Police Station: 089-8501669 (Police Colonel Pradit Tipma, Chief of Fang Police Station)
• Prison Contacts: 080-492-5695 (Mr. Sombun) / 063-389-6454 (Ms. Salinee)
053-459033 Mae Ai Police Station
053-457011 Chai Prakan Police Station