Police arrest Samui court escapee after six-day manhunt

Koh Samui — On 21 September 2026, police apprehended a suspect who had escaped from custody at Koh Samui Provincial Court six days prior, following his discovery in the hills and alleged scavenging for sustenance. Bophut Police Station officers, along with volunteer police and locals who furnished information, established a perimeter and apprehended Warin, also known as "Tao," at approximately 14:00 on Monday.

Warin had absconded on 16 September, allegedly dislodging his handcuffs while being transported to the Koh Samui Provincial Court. Subsequently, he traversed natural paths and reportedly concealed himself on a mountain ridge for several days. Pol. Lt. Col. Booncherd Maneechai, deputy chief of Bophut Police Station, disclosed that officers had been relentlessly pursuing the suspect since his escape.

The suspect received information suggesting Warin had descended from the mountain in search of food. Upon entering a residence nearby, they missed him by roughly five minutes. They persisted in tailing him and ultimately managed to arrest him. Warin, prior to arrest, provided inconsistent explanations. Initially, he could not recall his name, asserting he had "done nothing wrong."

Upon being repeatedly requested for his full name, he confessed to being Warin, or Tao. He maintained that he had never been implicated in a criminal case. Concerning his court escape, Warin admitted to being brought to court but denied intent to flee. He claimed his handcuffs had loosened spontaneously, prompting his escape, and stated he traversed mountain ridges and wooded areas on foot.

He also claimed he had abstained from meals while in hiding and eventually returned to secretly rest at his abode for several days before apprehension. When officers clarified that fleeing from custody was unlawful, Warin remained perplexed, asserting he did not comprehend why police were arresting him. Pol. Lt. Col. Booncherd reported that multiple police units had been dispatched to locate the suspect since 16 September.

Given his concealment in mountainous terrain, tracking him proved arduous. He noted that officers who interacted with the suspect found him confused, repeatedly denying the accusations against him. Following Warin's assertion that he had returned home to sleep and eat, officers verified his home after he claimed it. They discovered that Warin had clandestinely entered the house to consume food, but they arrived merely five minutes after his departure.

A thorough search of the abode revealed only his father, mother, and younger sister present. Consequently, the assertion that Warin had resided and slept at the house for several days was inconsistent with the investigation outcomes.