The Corrections Department has joined forces with police to mobilize and pursue Tanupat, a drug convict, after he took advantage of vocational training to escape from Doi Hang Temporary Prison. A reward of 50,000 baht has now been offered.
On 28 Jan 2026, reporters learned that on the evening of 26 January 2026, between approximately 18:00 and 18:30, officials at Doi Hang Temporary Prison, part of Chiang Rai Central Prison, discovered that Tanupat Waka, 38, a convicted methamphetamine drug offender, had disappeared from custody during the headcount before bedtime. The last lead placed him near the buffalo feeding area inside the temporary prison, which is an agricultural zone without the high walls typical of regular prisons.
Investigations revealed that Tanupat had been transferred from Fang District Prison on 22 January to participate in a "Pre-Release Preparation Program" (a five-month course) because he was a model prisoner nearing release in a few months. Officials suspect he might have had personal motives or intended to flee the country using natural routes he was familiar with.
Currently, authorities have combined forces with police from Mae Yao Police Station and local administrative officers to surround the area along the Kok River and have established strict checkpoints at Pha Hong checkpoint in Chai Prakan District to prevent escape back to his home districts of Mae Ai and Fang.
Chiang Rai Central Prison has announced an immediate reward of 50,000 baht for anyone providing tips leading to his capture. Tips can be reported at phone numbers 080-4925695, 063-3986454, or the police hotline 191, available 24 hours.
Officials warn that anyone providing shelter or assistance to the escaped inmate faces a prison term of up to two years, a fine up to 40,000 baht, or both.
Additional reports indicate that based on maps from the post-release supervision documents and the latest sighting near Tu Pu Cave north of the Kok River, Tanupat escaped from Doi Hang Temporary Prison. The cave is north of the river, near the home of his brother, which is believed to be his intended destination. It is expected that Tanupat fled northward along the Kok River toward Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, following a route leading to his brother's house.
Supervisors noted that the route passes through Huai Muang Nok and Huai Muang Nai areas, with his brother's home located in Village 5, Mae Nao Wang Subdistrict, Mae Ai District. The house is a single-story wooden home along Ban Lo Ti Song Road, near a two-story house. During his escape, Tanupat reportedly stole local villagers’ clothes, changing into a gray shirt and jeans to blend in and evade authorities.
Currently, Mae Yao Police Station has coordinated with Mae Ai Police Station to closely monitor the route and potential destination according to the provided map.