CHIANG RAI – Prison authorities in Chiang Rai are searching for a 37-year-old drug offender who escaped from the Doi Hang prison on the evening of 26 January 2026. The case has unsettled residents, and prison officials have released the man’s details to help the public report sightings.
Prison staff said the escape was discovered at about 6.30 pm on 26 January. The inmate, Tanuphat Jaka, is serving time for a drug-related offence. Records show he had only recently been transferred from Fang District Prison on 22 January to take part in a five-month pre-release preparation programme. He fled just four days after arriving.
Description and background
Officials described Tanuphat Jaka as:
- 37 years old (Lahu ethnic group)
- Around 150 to 160cm tall
- Dark complexion, stocky build
- Very short, close-cropped hair
He is registered as living in Village 5, Mae Na Wang Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. Authorities said his wife lives in Mae Na Wang, and he has many relatives across the Mae Ai and Fang districts.
Where he may be heading
Corrections officials believe he knows the mountainous terrain and border areas in Mae Ai and Fang well. They suspect he may be trying to reach family or leave the country through natural border routes.
Police and prison response
Following the report, the prison mobilised teams to track him down and coordinated with Chiang Rai provincial police and local administrative officials. Checkpoints and screening points have been set up on main and secondary routes towards Chiang Mai.
Prison Warning to the public
Corrections officials stressed that anyone who shelters or assists an escaped prisoner faces serious penalties, including imprisonment and a fine.
Anyone who sees a person matching the description, or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact the emergency hotline 191 or Chiang Rai Corrections immediately. Reports can be made at any time, 24 hours a day.
