Karen leader hunts thai cop suspected of planning 2 million baht robbery

Bangkokpost, 20 May 2012 ....

 

Karen rebel leader Na Kham Mwe has vowed to arrest a senior Thai policeman suspected of fleeing to Myanmar to escape a charge of masterminding a two million baht robbery in Sing Buri.

Na Kham Mwe, an alleged drug kingpin wanted by Thai authorities, has ordered a search for Pol Col Pichit Kromprasit in "every spot" where he may go to ground in the Kloh Htoo Bor area, said Bo Toh, a close aide of the rebel leader.

The border area opposite Ban Wale in Tak's Phop Phra district is controlled by Na Kham Mwe.

Pol Col Pichit, superintendent of Sai Ngam police station in Kamphaeng Phet, is accused of masterminding an armed robbery on a Kasikornbank cash delivery van in Sing Buri's In Buri district in March.

He contacted police to say he would surrender but never showed up. On Wednesday, investigators detected Pol Col Pichit's mobile phone signal at the Thai-Myanmar border in Chiang Rai.

Bo Toh said Pol Col Pichit will be handed over Thai authorities if he is found because Na Kham Mwe does not shelter criminal suspects.

However, Bo Toh believes the suspect would not choose to hide in the Kloh Htoo Bor area because it is not easily accessed during the current rainy weather and living there is difficult because of inadequate facilities.

Police previously found a saloon car left by Pol Col Pichit in Phitsanulok's Noen Maprang district. Villagers told police the car was parked unattended on the Nong Po-Wang Din Niao road in tambon Wang Yang for three days. The area is isolated and surrounded by paddy fields.

Officers inspected the car and collected fingerprints for their investigation.

Police are also hunting Pol Sgt Narai Thippreechathorn in connection with the Sing Buri robbery. He is accused of supplying AK-47 rifles to three suspects who have been arrested. He is affiliated to Nakhon Sawan police headquarters.

A courier was injured during the robbery at In Buri market.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294206/karen-leader-hunts-thai-cop-suspected-of-planning-2-million-baht-robbery