Thai thief swims through Chao Phraya river to visit girlfriend and evade police

[snoop1130]

 

A Thai man swam across the risky Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province to avoid arrest, prompted by the fear of not seeing his girlfriend. Called to a nearby convenience store, a police officer from Phra Pradaeng Police Station was tasked with apprehending 32-year-old Pichitchai. He was called in after Pichitchai was discovered stealing a 35 baht bottle of cooling powder.

 

While being taken to the station on a motorcycle, Pichitchai escaped from the officer, ran to Phra Pradaeng Pier, and in spite of his handcuffs, grabbed a life jacket and a rubber ring to swim across the Chao Phraya River.

 

Though exhausted, Pichitchai refused to return to shore instead, he pleaded for the help of a passing ferry. Seeing his handcuffs, the ferry occupants feared for their safety and did not assist him.

 

Undeterred, Pichitchai swam to the other side of the river, intending to reach his girlfriend's place. However, on arrival, he was apprehended by waiting police. Pichitchai revealed that his theft of the cooling powder originated from having only 10 baht. His fear of a repeated prison sentence, having previously served three years for illegal gun ownership, and the fear of not seeing his girlfriend again prompted his actions.

 

Pichitchai confessed that he was extremely scared while swimming across the river. Although he knew he would eventually be arrested, he wanted to see his girlfriend one last time before he was imprisoned again.

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-30

 

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[brianthainess]

On 5/30/2024 at 6:08 PM, snoop1130 said:

Though exhausted, Pichitchai refused to return to shore instead, he pleaded for the help of a passing ferry. Seeing his handcuffs, the ferry occupants feared for their safety and did not assist him.

How nice of them. How would they know they were police cuffs someone might have cuffed him and thrown him in.