Pol Lt Col Sommai On-Kham, a senior investigator at Cherng Talay Police Station, received information that Wirat “Kham” Pranppet, 36, could be found playing in a football match in the Bang Tao Cup 2013 tournament, at the Bang Tao Football Field, watched by hundreds of local people.
Wirat was wanted on multiple arrest warrants issued by Kathu Police Station, including robbery at night, armed robbery, bag-snatching and attempted murder.
In plain clothes, Col Sommai led a team of officers to the football field. Wirat, spotting them arriving, called on friends to aid him. Soccer players and supporters who streamed from the stands answered the call.
Seeing themselves outnumbered by Wirat’s friends and supporters, the police turned to flee but Col Sommai was caught and beaten insensible in front of the crowd.
Wirat and his friends then also fled. No arrests could be made.
Col Sommai regained consciousness after being taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital but cannot speak because of facial bruising and broken teeth.
Deputy Provincial Commanders Pol Col Peerayut Karajedee and Pol Col Sanae Yawila and others visited Col Sommai yesterday (September 11) bringing flowers and a cash reward for his courage.
Col Peerayut said “We are now concentrating on tracking down Wirat and his friends, who will be arrested on charges of assaulting officers, obstructing police in the execution of their duty, and aiding a fugitive to escape.”