American held after Bangkok officer slashed in the neck

5 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

I think drawing a gun and chasing a shoplifter down the sidewalk on foot a bit extreme.

I never said "draw a gun (firearm) "at a shoplifting suspect. Also, a shoplifter can escalate into an attempt murder suspect in the blink of an eye as shown in the video. Have you ever had any action you took in life critically analyzed by your superiors or peers in order to improve your skill set and professional knowledge? If not then you will never understand my perspective. I look at critical incidents and ask two questions: 1) Can things have been done differently? 2) Can things have been done better?

1 hour ago, novacova said:

CBP generally doesn’t check US citizens crossing into Mexico, from there (Mexico DF) a US citizen can fly out to just about anywhere.

When one flies out the US on international flights it is the mighty(insert sarcasm emoji) TSA (Transportation Security Agency) that checks passport and boarding pass. TSA (civilian screeners with no Law Enforcement authority) does not have access to criminal record databases.

8 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

I never said "draw a gun (firearm) "at a shoplifting suspect. Also, a shoplifter can escalate into an attempt murder suspect in the blink of an eye as shown in the video. Have you ever had any action you took in life critically analyzed by your superiors or peers in order to improve your skill set and professional knowledge? If not then you will never understand my perspective. I look at critical incidents and ask two questions: 1) Can things have been done differently? 2) Can things have been done better?

So, chase him down the sidewalk without drawing you gun and wait for him to draw on you like on TV.

Was this not you?

Just now, Yellowtail said:

So, chase him down the sidewalk without drawing you gun and wait for him to draw on you like on TV.

Was this not you?

How is your reading comprehension? I never said the Thai officer in this specific incident should have drawn his weapon. He could not draw his weapon because he was operating a scooter at the time. Both hands were on the steering wheel. I was saying better tactic would have been to step off the scooter and contact the suspect while on foot. In terms of the comment about "just a knife" this is based upon years of public reactions to police shootings when the suspect was armed with a knife. A knife can kill and cause serious bodily injury. It was not a reference to this incident. If the suspect had still posed a threat after the attacking the officer then other officers would have been justified in the use of deadly force. Also, TV and movies have historically painted a false narrative about police work.

Just now, sqwakvfr said:

How is your reading comprehension? I never said the Thai officer in this specific incident should have drawn his weapon. He could not draw his weapon because he was operating a scooter at the time. Both hands were on the steering wheel.

A scooter with a steering wheel....

Just now, sqwakvfr said:

I was saying better tactic would have been to step off the scooter and contact the suspect while on foot. In terms of the comment about "just a knife" this is based upon years of public reactions to police shootings when the suspect was armed with a knife. A knife can kill and cause serious bodily injury. It was not a reference to this incident. If the suspect had still posed a threat after the attacking the officer then other officers would have been justified in the use of deadly force. Also, TV and movies have historically painted a false narrative about police work.

Getting off the scooter and contacting the suspect would require chasing him down the sidewalk, yes?

Okay, so chase him down the sidewalk without drawing the gun.

And when he caught the suspect?

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

A scooter with a steering wheel....

Getting off the scooter and contacting the suspect would require chasing him down the sidewalk, yes?

Okay, so chase him down the sidewalk without drawing the gun.

And when he caught the suspect?

The level of response is determined by the actions of the suspect. If he is compliant then detain and handoff. if he is not complaint the appropriate level of force should be employed to take him into custody, If a suspect resists and attacks then force is justified. Of course any use of force has to investigated to determine if it was legally justified. Lastly, you got me. I said wheel when I meant handle bar. Therefore, you win.

Edited August 23Aug 23 by sqwakvfr

8 hours ago, John Drake said:

I reaffirm my position: forget the nationality; no visa exempt for anyone under the age of 50. That'll get rid of a lot of the scum before they can board a plane.

Or ask for a criminal record check.

The most shocking aspect is Thailand went from a country that was pretty strict on who they let in (only 30 days) to a free for all. For these visas they don't even ask for a criminal record check - almost as if property developers came up with the visa (they did).

More footage from the arrest

Another worthless begpacker.

Thailand should raise the financial requirements for entry and actually enforce it.

Starting at the U.S. airports before boarding.

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

I think drawing a gun and chasing a shoplifter down the sidewalk on foot a bit extreme.

Not extreme at all when a knife is in play.

UPDATE

Bangkok police seek attempted murder charge for US man

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Bangkok police are preparing an attempted murder charge against a 29-year-old US national accused of slashing an on-duty traffic officer in the neck with a box cutter while fleeing an alleged 7-Eleven theft.

Pol Maj Gen Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, said on Sunday, August 23, that the suspect, identified as Alexander, had been arrested on suspicion of robbery, resisting officers and attacking a policeman.

A test at Police Hospital detected methamphetamine in Alexander's blood, Chaikrit said. Investigators said he gave confused replies, was largely uncooperative and appeared intoxicated during initial questioning.

The US Embassy in Bangkok has been contacted, with Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station asking for a representative to attend a more detailed interview on Monday, August 24.

Officer stable after alleged knife attack

Pol Lt Prasarn Somkanee, deputy traffic inspector at Phra Ratchawang Police Station, was injured at about 10am on Saturday, August 22. Members of the public helped the officer and took him to hospital, where he was reported to be in a stable condition.

Police were initially alerted after a foreign man allegedly took goods from the Phadung Dao branch of 7-Eleven, in the Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station area.

The store's representative told investigators the suspect appeared to be buying six cans of beer before running out without paying. A member of the public followed him, while Prasarn rode his motorcycle to intercept him.

Police said that Alexander then slashed Prasarn across the neck with a box cutter and continued to flee. He was arrested at 11.05am on a road inside Soi Chaloem Khet 1.

Two stations are handling separate allegations

The alleged shop theft and attack occurred in different police jurisdictions, so the investigations have been divided between two stations.

Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station is handling the alleged knife attack. It is preparing charges of attempted murder of an officer acting in the course of duty, resisting or obstructing an officer, and carrying a knife in a town or village without permission.

Investigators are also considering an additional charge following the drug-test result.

Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station is handling the convenience-store case, pursuing allegations of robbery and resisting an officer. The robbery allegation is based on the store representative's account that six cans of beer were taken without payment.

University staff identify suspect

Chaikrit said security staff from Thammasat University's Tha Phra Chan campus visited police to view the detained man.

They identified him as the person suspected of entering a multipurpose building at about 1am on Saturday and stealing a backpack containing a mobile phone. Police had not announced a separate charge over that allegation.

24 August 2026

Troy....what kind of name is that, typical American I suppose, stick him in the Pokey

On 8/23/2026 at 6:46 AM, bendejo said:

Running around Bkk barefoot, that in itself makes him a case for the guys with the butterfly nets.

..and add..running around with a box cutter! Holiday in Thailand with a weapon in your pocket ... nasty piece of work.

On 8/22/2026 at 4:40 PM, TimBKK said:

A lifetime of rice soup, coming up. Please, no prisoner exchange or amnesty let him rot in the Bangkok Hilton.

Agreed, 20 years + in 6x6 cell with ten friends...

14 minutes ago, Hotchilli123 said:

Agreed, 20 years + in 6x6 cell with ten friends...

At least he'll be fluent in Thai once he gets out, assuming he makes it.

1 hour ago, Jiggo said:

Troy....what kind of name is that, typical American I suppose, stick him in the Pokey

Nothing wrong with that..California, Having belonged to the Spanish Crown until 1821, then to Mexico until 1848...its name sounds logical. And of course, send him to Bkk Hilton.

On 8/22/2026 at 5:58 AM, ronnie50 said:

Here is a Alexander Troy Lopez, mid 20s, from San Diego area.

A California warrant out for him since March this year. The link also has his rap sheet. No violence but alcohol and other issues with police. Of course, this could be someone else entirely...

https://www.localcrimenews.com/welcome/detail/95114218/alexander-lopez-arrest.html

Of course this piece of trash is from California.

3 hours ago, Jiggo said:

Troy....what kind of name is that, typical American I suppose, stick him in the Pokey

In California Lopez is a more common surname than Smith. Been minority white since 2000 I think.

Carrying a knife with intent to so harm. I don't care if he was on drugs or has mental issues, he needs to taken off the streets and put into custody. Absolutely, and I mean absolutely, this individual must not be given bail. Fine, jail long time and then deport with life-time ban.

A few years in Bangkok Hilton prison will teach him a lesson.

3 hours ago, Showtime said:

Of course this piece of trash is from California.

Yes and plenty more that can't afford to buy a ticket out of the golden state. At one time this guy must have had enough money for either a one way or even a roundtrip ticket from CA to BKK or another part of SE Asia. Many of the less than desirable people in CA don't have money and most do not have passports. This is a good thing for the world. Best to contain them in one place. Unfortunately the prisons in CA are pretty much maxed out and many end ip on the streets. "The Golden State", not anymore. Lived there for over 55 years and some parts are no longer recognizable to me. The only time I am actually in the city of Los Angeles is when I am in and out of LAX.

4 hours ago, Artisi said:

At least he'll be fluent in Thai once he gets out, assuming he makes it.

I'm sure he will get plenty of oral Thai practice

8 hours ago, FriendlyHorse said:

Not extreme at all when a knife is in play.

Unfortunately he wasn't on home turf as he would have terminated on the spot.

On 8/22/2026 at 8:12 PM, olcmarcus said:

He's going to pay a heavy price for that.

I suspect you are right- and frankly I have little sympathy for him really

On 8/22/2026 at 11:20 AM, saakura said:

Tatts & criminals have a strange attraction.

Tell that to the bargirls down Soi 6. 🤷🏼

On 8/22/2026 at 10:42 AM, Sir Dude said:

Just pop a cap in his backside... moron flaky idiot foreigners that shouldn't be here.

His backside would have been the last place i would have aimed for. Would have been in a bodybag.

Edited August 24Aug 24 by Reddavy

Will Thai authorities dare to imprison an American citizen? I don't believe it.............

Thai policeman will probably go to jail for challenging an American citizen. USA citizens are above Thai law.

I dont know if Thai police Department offer him caffee cappuccino or freedo.

Lets be serious he is an american citizen and Thai citizens as well as EU citizens are sabordinated than an american "ally".

He will do it in USA and american police officers at least they use taser high voltage to stop him or kill him.

Edited August 24Aug 24 by Paris333

On 8/22/2026 at 5:24 PM, sqwakvfr said:

In my time in law enforcement some in the public were often critical of police who use firearms on suspects who "just had a knife". This is the flip side when police contact a suspect with a box cutter. The suspect is lucky not to have bullet holes in him. I am not saying a firearm is the only instrument to deal with suspect with edged weapons but "nothing in my job description states I must get stabbed or slashed". It can take less than 2 minutes to bleed out when the jugular vein is slashed.

Less Internal Carotid Artery