Search for escaped murder convict intensifies as getaway vehicle found in southern Thailand

A white Mitsubishi pickup truck with the licence plate 8กจ 9049 from Phatthalung was found abandoned near a port close to Malaysia on Saturday, October 21. The vehicle was believed to have been used by a murder convict, Chaowalit Thongduang, to make his escape.

The 37 year old Chaowalit has been charged with attempted murders related to an attack on police officers. Authorities suspect he may have already fled the country. The police are intensifying their hunt as of today.

Chaowalit, also known as Sia Paeng, escaped from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital where he was admitted on Friday, October 20.

On Sunday, October 22, when he was due to be released, Chaowalit used the opportune moment when two prison officers left their posts guarding the patient room to make his escape at around 1am. He was swiftly picked up by a waiting vehicle.

Initial…