A 49-year-old truck driver, identified as Saengsawangwong, surrendered to authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) on July 23rd after a dramatic two-hour chase that spanned three districts. The pursuit, which began around 9:30 AM, ended when the driver pulled over outside the Soeng Sang Police Station. The incident involved significant property damage, with four vehicles sustaining damage, though fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Pursuit Unfolds Across Nakhon Ratchasima
The chase commenced when Saengsawangwong, operating a trailer truck, failed to stop at two police checkpoints. Instead of halting, he continued driving, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. The truck traversed through Chok Chai, Khon Buri, and Soeng Sang districts. During the high-speed flight, the trailer truck collided with two pickup trucks at an intersection in Soeng Sang district. One of the impacted pickups veered off course, crashing into a streetlight on the road median and suffering extensive damage. Another pickup was struck on its side elsewhere along the route, bringing the total number of vehicles damaged to four.
Police pursued the large truck for nearly two hours. The chase concluded around 11:00 AM when the trailer truck stopped in front of the Soeng Sang Police Station. Officers immediately approached the vehicle for a search.
Driver’s Confession and Drug Involvement
Upon searching the trailer truck, law enforcement officers reported finding no illegal substances within the vehicle itself. However, they allegedly recovered a single methamphetamine pill from Saengsawangwong. A subsequent urine test administered to the driver returned a positive result for methamphetamine, indicating recent drug use.
During initial questioning, Saengsawangwong, a resident of Soeng Sang district, reportedly explained his actions. He stated he was en route from Soeng Sang to his work in Sikhio district. According to his account, officers signaled for him to stop near a checkpoint in Chok Chai district. He claimed he panicked because he had recently used methamphetamine and decided to turn around to evade the checkpoint.
Police further elaborated that Saengsawangwong then drove back towards Khon Buri district, where another drug checkpoint had been established. He allegedly drove through this checkpoint as well, continuing his flight. Authorities believe the driver lost control of the truck due to excessive speed, which led to the collisions with the other vehicles.
Surrender and Apology
Saengsawangwong recounted that during the prolonged chase, he spoke with his wife via telephone. She reportedly urged him to cease running and surrender to the police. Following this conversation, he made the decision to drive to the Soeng Sang Police Station and turn himself in.
At the station, Saengsawangwong allegedly expressed apologies to all individuals affected by the incident. He admitted that his fear of being apprehended for drug use led him to make a serious mistake. He also reportedly promised to refrain from using drugs in the future.
Legal Proceedings
Saengsawangwong was taken into custody and remains at the Soeng Sang Police Station for further questioning. Authorities are continuing their investigation before legal proceedings commence. The incident highlights the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and the potential consequences of evading law enforcement.
This event underscores a broader concern regarding drug use and its impact on public safety. While this particular incident in Korat did not result in injuries, the chase involved significant risks to other road users and substantial property damage. The driver’s subsequent surrender and admission suggest a recognition of his wrongdoing, though legal repercussions are expected.
