A former forestry employee and five accomplices were arrested by Police Region 4 on November 12, 2024, for their alleged involvement in a nighttime robbery at a forest protection unit in Sakon Nakhon Province. The gang reportedly stole firearms and valuable rosewood from the site, prompting a significant investigation led by police officials.
The arrest took place at 5:30 p.m. on November 12, when Police Region 4 investigators, under the command of Pol. Col. Nopphakao Sommanas, detained the suspect, Mr. Thep, also known as Art, aged 35. Residing in Sakon Nakhon Province’s Song Dao District, Mr. Art was apprehended following an arrest warrant issued by the Sawang Daen Din Court on November 11, 2024. He faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and conspiracy with accomplices to commit crimes involving force and property damage. During the arrest, police seized a Toyota vehicle and a mobile phone as evidence, as Mr. Art was traveling on a local road in Udon Thani Province.
According to preliminary reports, five armed individuals entered the forest protection unit at Police Station 2, Sakon Nakhon Forestry Center, on Highway 2218. The robbers allegedly assaulted and restrained three officers, then used a vehicle to transport 19 pieces of rosewood, valued at over 800,000 baht, along with a shotgun belonging to the officers.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Sarayut Songwanphokhai, Provincial Police Region 4 Commander, ordered a team led by Pol. Col. Nikhom Chaicharoen and Pol. Lt. Col. Phraiwan Ayuwong to identify and track down the suspects. Authorities believe that Mr. Art, a former Royal Forest Department employee with a prior record of absenteeism, used his familiarity with the site to facilitate the robbery. Transferred to Udon Thani more than a year ago, Mr. Art’s previous work history and known connections aided investigators in securing evidence and witness statements, leading to his arrest.
Police continue their investigation, as Mr. Art remains cooperative but has yet to provide full details on the remaining suspects. Once the initial questioning is completed, Mr. Art will face further legal proceedings at Waritchaphum Police Station in Sakon Nakhon Province.
