PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – Fourteen schools in Lat Lum Kaeo district were closed as a precaution while police searched for an armed suspect believed to be hiding in the area.
Manhunt for armed suspect in Lat Lum Kaeo
Police in Lat Lum Kaeo said they were looking for 30-year-old Noparat Jinto, known as L, who was wanted in connection with several violent offences and was believed to be in the district.
According to the local police station, he allegedly attacked his wife on 15 February and fired at a rescue vehicle in Chonburi province before fleeing to his home district of Lat Lum Kaeo.
Alleged threats against father-in-law
Officers stated that he then threatened his father-in-law with a firearm and demanded that his wife be brought to him.
The father-in-law reportedly escaped unharmed and filed a complaint, leading to an arrest warrant being issued for Noparat.
Firearms seized and security tightened
During a search of his house in Lat Lum Kaeo, police said they seized several firearms, while the suspect remained at large.
Authorities raised the security level around the area but stressed there had been no reports of gunfire or incidents at educational institutions.
Fourteen schools closed as a preventive measure
The Ministry of Education announced on its official Facebook page “MOE 360°” that 14 named schools in Lat Lum Kaeo district were temporarily closed for public safety reasons.
“The measure is explicitly preventive and serves to protect students and staff while the search for the armed suspect continues.”
said the Ministry of Education, according to the statement.
Appeal to public amid intensified search
Police in Lat Lum Kaeo intensified the search for the suspect and urged the public to report any possible sightings immediately, either to the local station at 094-9699365 or via the emergency number 191.
Officers emphasised that there was still no direct indication of a concrete threat to the schools, but that the closures were considered a necessary precaution given the suspect’s alleged violent behaviour and the ongoing manhunt.
Background to the violent incidents
Police said that after the 15 February incident in the Huay Yai area of Chonburi, in which Noparat allegedly beat his wife and shot at a rescue vehicle, an arrest warrant was issued for the 30-year-old.
During his subsequent flight to Lat Lum Kaeo district, he was suspected of taking his father-in-law hostage to force a meeting with his wife, before the father-in-law managed to escape and further advance the investigation.
Continuing risk and call for vigilance
According to authorities, the armed suspect remained at large, and the situation around the closed schools and throughout the district continued to be closely monitored.
Security forces called on residents to remain vigilant and said they were doing everything possible to protect the community and prevent further incidents.