The cool cop who brought in 'the Godfather'
As the leader of the team that arrested high-profile fugitive Kamnan Poh, Pol Col Athip Thaennil achieved instant fame, but the calm career policeman isn't comfortable in the role of celebrity and is quick to shine the spotlight on the role of others in the high-profile capture
- Published: 17 Feb 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Spectrum
He's credited with putting an end to one of the most highly publicised fugitive hunts in modern Thai history, but the celebrity he's obtained sits uneasily with Pol Col Athip Thaennil.
The investigator, who led the team that brought down the notorious ''Godfather of the East'' Somchai ''Kamnan Poh'' Khunploem after, relied more on technology and smarts than brute force and bravado in his investigation. And he is likewise a bookish type, who confesses to feeling ''a bit awkward'' when people stop him on the street following his headline-grabbing success in putting an end to Kamnan Poh's seven years on the lam.
''Since we caught Kamnan Poh, people have become familiar with my name and my photo,'' he said. ''However, this doesn't affect my life at all. I'm neither excited about the recognition nor especially happy. I don't really feel I'm in the spotlight.''
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