Fugitive Smuggling Suspect Arrested After Four Years at Sea
A 64-year-old fugitive linked to a major fuel smuggling operation was arrested after four years hiding as a fishing boat crew member in Krabi, ending a manhunt that began when he jumped bail in 2022.
The Marine Police arrested a suspect associated with Siao Jo, a major illegal fuel smuggler, who jumped bail and fled to work as a crew member on a fishing boat in Krabi, ending a four-year fugitive manhunt.
On August 17, 2025, Marine Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Setsathir Nippaya ordered Pol. Col. Kamolsak Wan Pradung and his team to apprehend Umaad (surname withheld), 64, under a warrant from Samut Prakan Provincial Court dated May 3, 2022, in case number 6/2565. He faces charges of conspiracy to conceal, distribute, transport, or receive illegally imported or exported goods in violation of customs law. Officers arrested him aboard a fishing vessel docked at the Krabi Fisheries Enforcement Center in Muang District.
The case dates back to 2022, when Marine Police initially arrested Umaad while he was transporting illegal fuel for Siao Jo's smuggling operation. Before his trial, Umaad filed for bail and deposited 300,000 baht as security. However, after his temporary release, he failed to appear in court and disappeared. Samut Prakan Provincial Court revoked his bail and issued a new arrest warrant.
While evading authorities, Umaad lived in hiding by working as a crew member on various fishing vessels to avoid detection. Investigators received a tip that someone matching his description was working aboard a boat in Krabi waters. They tracked him down, confirmed his identity, and arrested him on the spot. Umaad confessed to all charges and has been transferred to Samut Prakan Provincial Court for further legal proceedings.
