Hired hitman, 51, allegedly linked to multiple killings in Thailand found hiding in mountain treehouse

Thai police have arrested a wanted gunman after tracking him to a treehouse hidden high on a mountain in southern Thailand, where he had allegedly been living while evading capture.

The 51-year-old suspect, identified by Thai media as Gomin, also known as Mee Changklang, was detained on Mar. 12 after officers reportedly intercepted him while he was coming down from the mountain to buy food and other supplies.

Police said he was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani for premeditated murder.

Caught after descending mountain for supplies

According to Thai authorities, officers from Tham Phannara Police Station, together with investigators from Provincial Police Region 8 and local administrative officials, launched a joint operation after receiving information that the suspect had been hiding in the mountainous area of Kalyanamit Cave in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Investigators later learned that he would occasionally leave his hideout to stock up on necessities, prompting officers to set up surveillance along the route, according to Chiang Rai Times.

He was arrested after officers identified him and presented the outstanding warrant, police said.

Authorities added that an 11 millimetre handgun and several rounds of ammunition were found on him during the arrest.

Treehouse hidden high above mountain slope

Following his arrest, officers escorted the suspect back up the mountain to inspect his hideout, which required a hike of more than 2 kilometres uphill.

There, police discovered a treehouse built high in a large tree, concealed well enough that it was difficult to spot from below unless viewed closely, reported Thairath.

Officials also recovered a long-barreled shotgun and additional ammunition from the site.

Police reviewing older cases

During questioning, police said the suspect claimed he had spent much of his life working as a hired gunman and had been involved in numerous killings over the years.

Thai media reported that he also referred to an earlier case involving the killing of a village headman in Tham Phannara district, for which he had previously served eight years in prison.

Police said he further alleged that a former employer had later sent another gunman to kill him, prompting him to retreat deeper into the forest and remain in hiding.

Authorities are now reviewing older case records while proceeding with the active warrant already issued against him.

Top images via Thairath