Police arrested Narongsak Deang-ngam at a police checkpoint in Phuket Town after discovering him in possession of drugs and a gun.
However, once he was taken to the police station, police realised there was already a warrant for his arrest, in relation to the shooting of prison guard Danunan Thipapal last year.
Mr Danunan was shot in the neck and shoulder around 10.30pm on June 27, 2012, while driving his car near Wat Chalong. He was hospitalised at the time but survived the incident.
Narongsak was driving a car when he was stopped at the checkpoint. He and his passenger Nikom Srisoy were both arrested on charges of drugs and gun possession.
Police found a gun in Narongsak’s trouser pocket, and 25 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) in a bag in the truck. They later found an additional 1626 ya ba (methamphetamine) pills in his house.
Police found two guns in Nikom’s possession, and 5 grammes of ya ice in the rear of the pickup.
Both men confessed to all charges and remain in police custody.