NARATHIWAT, THAILAND – The alleged leader of a group blamed for an assassination attempt on a Thai lawmaker was arrested at the Myanmar border and handed over to Thai authorities.
Arrest at Kanchanaburi border crossing
A Burmese militia transferred Captain Viroj Ketumanee, a former naval officer, to Thai officials at a border checkpoint in Kanchanaburi province on Wednesday. Officers immediately flew the suspect by helicopter to Narathiwat, where the investigation originated.
Police had questioned Ketumanee intensively since his arrival. Investigators focused on who ordered the attack and which additional individuals were part of the network.
Attack on convoy in March 2025
The attack took place on 20 March of the previous year in Bacho district. Armed men targeted the convoy of Member of Parliament Kamolsak Leewama near his residence. The politician was unharmed, while his driver and a police officer suffered serious injuries.
All five suspects had since been detained and had given statements. Investigators reported contradictions between these accounts and relied on forensic evidence to clarify the background.
Intelligence vehicle used in escape
Detectives uncovered another element of the case: the perpetrators used a vehicle belonging to the Thai military intelligence service to flee after the attack. The vehicle was later destroyed in an apparent attempt to erase traces.
The army confirmed that an officer had formally signed out the vehicle. That officer faced disciplinary proceedings, while investigators examined how unauthorized persons gained access to the state vehicle.
Prime minister stays guarded on possible backers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was informed immediately of the arrest. At a subsequent press conference at Government House, he confirmed the breakthrough briefly but declined to discuss any suspected masterminds.
According to media reports, Kamolsak had provided the prime minister with information about another alleged plot even before the attack. Authorities did not confirm whether this information formed part of the current investigation.
Main suspect has UN and naval background
Ketumanee first served in the Royal Thai Navy before spending around 16 years on UN missions around the world. Investigators viewed his military experience as a significant factor in the planning of the attack.
Police said they would continue to rely on forensic analysis and witness testimony in the case. It remained unclear who had commissioned the attack and what motives were behind it, and officials described the case as politically sensitive.