Police arrest fugitive former crewman on boat over oil smuggling ring
A fugitive former crewman has been arrested over allegedly being part of an oil smuggling ring in Thailand, allegedly helping to smuggle oil and evade court proceedings for more than four years.
Umat, 64, had reportedly been fleeing from police for four years before he was finally detained at a pier in Krabi on August 17.
He was previously arrested in 2022 for reportedly working for notorious oil smuggler 'Sia Jo Pattani'. He had been charged with 'jointly helping to conceal, sell, assist in conveying or receive in any manner whatsoever goods that were imported or exported in violation of the law; possessing goods for sale without paying tax; and transporting fuel of the types and quantities prescribed by ministerial notifications'.
During court proceedings, Umat was granted temporary release after posting 300,000 baht in cash bail.
But he later failed to appear in court as ordered and fled, sparking a manhunt as the court revoked his release and issued an arrest warrant.
Police said Umat then lived in hiding and worked as a boat crewman, moving between vessels to evade capture.
Officers later received a tip-off that a man matching his description was secretly working aboard a boat at a pier in Krabi.
They went to the vessel and spotted Umat standing on board before identifying themselves and asking to see his identification documents.
Police Captain Atsawachai Pisansart of the Thai Marine Police Division said Umat allegedly confessed to being the man named in the warrant.
He added: '‘We informed him of his charges and rights before handing him over to Krabi Marine Police Station to record his arrest, after which he will be sent to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court for further legal action.'
