Police Pursuit Across Six Districts Ends with Arrest in Nakhon Si Thammarat
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — A high-speed police chase across six districts in southern Thailand ended on the morning of 8 July 2024, when officers apprehended a 22-year-old man believed to be under the influence of narcotics. The pursuit began after the suspect fled a petrol station in Na Bon District without paying for fuel, prompting a coordinated response from law enforcement.
According to reports from Na Bon Police Station, the incident began when a gas station attendant in Kaeo Saen Subdistrict alerted authorities to a white four-wheeled pickup truck that had left the premises without settling the bill. The vehicle, reportedly driven by a man later identified as Mr. Phansa (surname withheld), sped away at high speed, setting off a chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
The suspect’s route took him from Na Bon District through Thung Song, Ron Phibun, Phra Phrom, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phrom Khiri Districts, looping back toward Mueang District. The pursuit, which unfolded over more than two hours, involved multiple patrol units and concluded when police disabled the vehicle by firing at its rear left tire near Tha Ngiew Subdistrict Municipality, forcing it to a halt.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the suspect’s truck weaving through traffic and at least three patrol vehicles in pursuit. The man appeared disoriented and unresponsive upon capture, and officers placed him in restraints without further incident.
During questioning, the suspect, who referred to himself as “Boat,” claimed to be a local resident with relatives in Phraeksa, Samut Prakan. He told police he had driven from Bangkok to visit family in Phra Phrom District, and denied using narcotics other than daily marijuana. He said he fled from police due to lacking a driver’s license, hoping he could evade arrest.
A search of the vehicle revealed no immediate evidence of contraband, but officers impounded the truck for further examination. His identification confirmed him as a resident of Ipan Subdistrict, Phrasaeng District, in Surat Thani Province.
Police have since filed initial charges against Mr. Phansa for reckless driving endangering others, unsafe vehicle operation, and evading police arrest. Authorities also conducted a urine drug test as part of ongoing investigations.
No injuries were reported, but the incident caused concern among road users in the affected districts. Officers from multiple stations across Nakhon Si Thammarat participated in the coordinated effort to bring the situation under control.
