Chiang Rai: Relatives are furious and have put up a 100,000 baht bounty to hunt down the brutal ex-husband who killed two people after authorities searched for him but still could not find a trace.

According to Thai News Agency, the 32nd Border Patrol Police (BPP 32) have employed ‘Tomy’, a K9 Labrador police dog, in their mission to track down and arrest Mr. Songpo, 55, the perpetrator of the brutal murder of his ex-wife and her younger brother in Ban Rom Fa Pha Mon, Village 15, Tambon Por, Amphoe Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai Province. The incident took place on June 6 and 8 before Mr. Songpo fled into the Doi Pha Mon forest, which is characterized by its steep mountains and numerous caves and crevices, complicating the search efforts. Despite the use of heat-detecting drones both day and night, the authorities have been unable to locate him.

Mr. Surachai, the village headman of Romfa Phamon, disclosed that Mr. Songpo, a local and an expert in navigating forest trails, previously evaded capture by hiding in the forest for two months. His presence poses a threat to the officers involved in the search. Mr. Songpo had earlier issued threats to community leaders and villagers who assisted in mediating his separation from his wife, inciting fear among the local population. Presently, only 20-30% of the villagers remain in the village, with the majority relocating to stay with relatives in neighboring areas for their safety. An update on the evening of June 8 from the Wiang Kaen Police Station page announced a 100,000 baht bounty for Mr. Songpo, with relatives of the deceased offering a reward for any significant information leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, officials are preparing to submit an arrest warrant to the Thoeng Provincial Court on June 9 to intensify the search efforts.