A foreign man in Chiang Mai sparked a police chase after stealing a police motorcycle and jumping into the Ping River to evade arrest. On March 16, Chiang Mai police and rescue teams initiated a search for the unidentified man, but as yet, he remains missing, and his nationality is unknown. The dramatic escape began after the man took the motorcycle from Suan Dok Temple and led police towards the 5th Army Area Bridge.
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The chase ended at the Mahidol Road bridge in the Pa Daet subdistrict, where the suspect abandoned the bike and leaped into the river. Despite an intensive hour-long search by officers and rescue teams, he was not found, raising suspicions that he is still hiding nearby. No motive has been revealed, and authorities have not succeeded in identifying the individual involved in the incident.
Channel 7's report on the situation highlighted the lengths to which the police have gone to track down the suspect, emphasizing their persistence in continuing the search in the vicinity. Presently, the authorities are focused on efforts to locate the foreign man, ensuring public safety, and determining the motive behind the theft. The event has sparked concern about security around police equipment and potential risks posed by unidentified individuals.
Future developments in the case hinge on the discovery of the man and any potential leads that may arise. Police are likely to step up security measures and continue investigations, with a focus on identifying the suspect swiftly. The incident underscores the unpredictability of such crimes and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking down elusive offenders, reported The Thaiger.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 16 Mar 2026
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