A Thai fugitive who had been evading capture since 2021 has finally been arrested thanks to AI-powered surveillance cameras. Police apprehended 36-year-old Supachok (name transliterated) at Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Terminal 2 on 21 August 2025, just three months before his arrest warrant was due to expire.
Supachok, who was wanted on a drug possession warrant, was travelling by bus from Khon Kaen to Bangkok. During a stopover, he stepped into the toilet — but upon returning, officers closed in on him after AI cameras flagged his identity.
A search uncovered incriminating items in his belongings, including a mobile phone, drug paraphernalia, a lighter, and five methamphetamine pills hidden inside a green candy bottle. Supachok later confessed to being the wanted man and now faces prosecution.
AI Surveillance Behind Arrest
Thai authorities confirmed that Artificial Intelligence camera systems had been installed at key transport hubs, tourist areas, and rest stops since May this year. These systems scan faces, cross-check them against criminal databases, and alert nearby officers within seconds when a match is found.
Since its rollout, the technology has already led to 147 arrests across different cases, from fugitives to offenders attempting to slip past police unnoticed.
Officials highlighted that the integration of AI into law enforcement is part of Thailand’s broader effort to strengthen public safety, crime prevention, and border security, especially in high-traffic areas such as bus terminals and tourist destinations.
A Wake-Up Call for Criminals
The dramatic arrest has sparked discussions on how AI surveillance is reshaping law enforcement in Thailand. While some applaud its role in keeping the public safe, others have raised questions about privacy and ethical considerations surrounding constant facial recognition monitoring.
Nonetheless, police emphasised that the technology is vital in tackling crimes such as drug trafficking, fraud, and fugitive tracking. For Supachok, his five-year run ended not through traditional detective work but because of a camera that never blinks.