SURAT THANI: A 20,000-baht reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of a drug suspect who escaped from Samui Hospital, where he was being treated for Covid-19.
Samart Sangiampaisal, commander of Samui Prison, said the escapee is Tawatchai Kaewnopparat, alias Toom Tam, 30.
Mr Samart said Mr Tawatchai was arrested on drug charges and held in custody at Samui Prison while police continued their investigation and prepared their case against him.
While in detention, Mr Tawatchai was tested and found to be infected with the coronavirus He was admitted to Samui Hospital on Jan 22 for treatment and had recovered.
Before he could be returned to the prison Mr Tawatchai escaped from the hospital, Mr Samart said, but did not say when.
Pol Pongkachorn Sukkasang, the Samui police chief, said the search for the man continued. This included watching the ferry pier to ensure he did not leave the island.
Mr Samart said a 20,000 baht reward was offered for information leading to the escapee's recapture. People could telephone 084-191-7780.