A fugitive, who remains on the run since he escaped custody in October, has been given a life sentence in absentia.
Chavalit Thongduang was serving a sentence for robbery and the possession of illegal firearms when he managed to escape custody while having dental treatment at a hospital in the southern province of Phattalung. He has continued to evade capture ever since.
Yesterday, December 25, he was sentenced in absentia, with Phattalung Court handing down a life sentence for Chavalit’s role in a 2019 attempted murder case. Chavalit was found guilty of collaborating with 8 others in the attempted murder of a court official on September 9, 2019, at a bar in the Mueang district.
Four of the 9 defendants were convicted and given life sentences for their involvement in the attempted murder. According to a Nation Thailand report, sentencing had been postponed from November 20 following Chavalit’s escape.
Despite a widely-publicised hunt for Chavalit in the days and weeks following his escape, he has continued to evade the authorities. There are reports he has been helped by local people and suggestions he may even have fled the country.
His lawyer, Chatchawal Burungwong, says he has yet to talk with his client about the possibility of appealing the life sentence. Chatchawal says he has not spoken for Chavalit in some time and if his client wishes to appeal, he would have to file the appeal in person.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
