Thai police have issued an arrest warrant for Sergeant Major Tep Tawan (Art Suriyamat), implicated in a November 9 robbery at a forestry protection unit in Sakon Nakhon. Tep Tawan, a public officer currently assigned to Sri That in Udon Thani, is accused of leading a group of four to five men who stole 19 rosewood planks valued at 6.6 million baht, along with two firearms, and assaulted forestry staff, binding them before escaping under cover of darkness.

On November 12, Department of Forestry Director-General Surachai Achalaboon reported that Tep Tawan has been suspended from duty pending investigation. The charges include armed robbery in a residence at night, unlawful entry, and unlawful firearm possession, with authorities noting that the suspects used a vehicle to facilitate the heist and evade capture. Legal proceedings are underway to hold those responsible accountable for the serious offense.