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Police confirm arrest of Phuket armed bank robber, say he’s a navy SEAL

Police confirm arrest of Phuket armed bank robber, say he’s a navy SEAL

PHUKET: The Royal Thai Police have this afternoon (Mar 3) released a statement to confirm that the man arrested yesterday evening (Feb 2) is the man who carried out the armed robbery at the Krungthai Bank on Sakdidet Rd last Friday (Feb 26).

crimemilitarypolice
By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 3 March 2016 05:31 PM


Petty Officer Sahapracha Chadawong seen here making his getaway on his red Honda Wave.

Petty Officer Sahapracha Chadawong seen here making his getaway on his red Honda Wave.

They has also stated that the man, named as 29-year-old Sahapracha Chadawong, is a Petty Officer from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command based in Cape Panwa.

Royal Thai Police ordered an investigation soon after hearing about the armed robbery, where Sahapracha managed to get away with B470,760 in cash, to ensure the safety of local residents and tourists.

It was reported at the time that the robber had fired a warning shot outside of the bank before speeding away on a motorbike.

The statement states that Wichit Police and an investigation team from Region 8 Provincial Police managed to find CCTV footage which led to the arrest of Petty Officer Sahapracha.

Region 8 Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Tesa Siriwato and Royal Thai Navy Third Area Commander Vice Adm Sayan Prasongsamrej were informed of the finding and this led to an arrest warrant being issued yesterday (Mar 2).

Sahapracha was arrested later yesterday at navy accommodation near the navy base.

According to the statement, Sahapracha has admitted to all accusations made against him and police have also seized a red Honda Wave and a helmet used in the robbery.

Sahapracha is currently being held at Phuket City Police Station on charges of armed robbery using a getaway vehicle, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, carrying them in public without a permit and firing a gun in a public place without reasonable reason.

He is to be handed over to a military court in Nakhon Sri Thammarat tomorrow (Mar 4).