At least five chained inmates fled Lang Suan court in Chumphon yesterday -- three in a stolen prison truck that ran over another aspiring escapee.
Corrections Department director-general Naras Savestanan said the incident happened at 8.55am. Ten inmates were brought to the court in a pickup truck from Lang Suan prison.
According to early reports, the prison guard who drove the truck recklessly left the key in the ignition while escorting the inmates to the court building.
As court police had yet to take them into custody, the inmates ran toward the gate to escape. One ran out through the open gate. A second inmate was caught just outside the gate, which was then closed.
The other three managed to hijack the truck. They smashed through the gate and reportedly hit the inmate who had just been re-apprehended as they made their successful getaway.
The three inmates were identified as Tharathip Permlarp, Krisada Ketnui and Pichit Klin-ocha. All were arrested for allegedly stealing cars.
