Officers moved in and arrested Thanakorn ‘Bank’ Arunrat, 38, at the Mae Sompong market in Moo 1, Srisoonthorn, yesterday afternoon (May 22).
Police had an arrest warrant issued after Phrakru Suwan Phutthaphiban was stabbed once in the chest at Wat Phra Thong on Sunday night after being unable to hand over B20 as monks do not carry money on them.
Through CCTV, officers were able to track down Thanakorn’s escape, and his return to his residence at the government housing authority in Moo 1, Srisoonthorn.
Thanakorn confessed to the stabbing, but denied any knowledge of asking Phrakru Suwan Phutthaphiban for B20, Thalang Police Chief Pol Col Nikorn Chuthong said.
On the night of the stabbing Thanakorn fled the temple on his motorbike. He was running out of petrol by the time he reached Phuket airport, and so he parked the motorbike and stole another motorbike from near the cargo area. He then continued his escape to Phang Nga, north of Phuket.
Thanakorn then decided to return home, and boarded a bus to Phuket. He exited the bus at Tha Chatchai and took a minivan back to Srisoonthorn. After he changed his clothes, he went to the market, where he was arrested.
Thanakorn had previously served 11 years in jail for “jointly killing another person”, Pol Col Nikorn said.
Thanakorn was released, but was later jailed for one year on a drug charge. He was released in February this year, he added.
“The initial charge is of attempted murder,” Pol Col Nikorn said.
“As for Master Abbot, he can now communicate. The danger is now over,” he added.