Man Arrested After High-Speed Car Chase Leaves Infant Severely Injured

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Authorities have arrested a man known as “Koh Thung Khru” following a three-month manhunt. The suspect, identified as Mr. Supradit 32, was charged with attempted murder after a high-speed car chase in which he allegedly rammed a pickup truck into a motorcycle, leaving a 1-year-old boy critically injured. The incident occurred on August 25, 2024, in the Tha Kham area of Bangkok.

Under the directives of Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphet, Deputy Police Chief General Thana Chuwong, and Acting Assistant Police Chief General Somprasong Yenthaum, officers pursued the case after public outcry on social media. Police Major General Theeradet Thamsuthi, head of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation division, led the operation to locate and apprehend the suspect.

The arrest was made on December 13,  at a temple in the Thung Khru district of Bangkok, where the suspect was hiding at his mother’s house. Mr. Supradit was detained under a warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court on October 10, 2024, for attempted murder.

The case unfolded when the crash victim, riding a motorcycle with his 1-year-old son seated in a child seat, was approached by a distressed man near Wat Hua Krabue in the Tha Kham area. The man, appearing injured, pleaded for help, claiming he had been assaulted. The motorcyclist agreed to give him a ride to seek medical attention.

As they left the temple grounds, a group of men armed with baseball bats began chasing them. Shortly after, a pickup truck appeared, driven by the suspect, and pursued the motorcycle. Despite attempts to evade the truck, the motorcycle was struck, causing the rider and the injured man to sustain minor injuries. Tragically, the 1-year-old child suffered severe injuries, including deep cuts to his forehead and head, a torn lip, and multiple abrasions.

The father rushed his son to the hospital before filing a complaint with the Tha Kham Police Station. Police launched an investigation, which resulted in an arrest warrant for Mr. Supradit, the driver of the pickup truck.

During interrogation, Mr. Supradit admitted to the attack, citing a personal vendetta against one of the victims stemming from a prior altercation. He claimed he was unaware that a child was on the motorcycle at the time of the collision. Fearing retaliation, he went into hiding at his mother’s house near Wat Thung Khru.

Police investigations revealed Mr. Supradit’s extensive criminal record, including:

1. 2015 – Arrested for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute (Ratchaburana Police Station).

2. 2016 – Arrested for drug use (Thung Khru Police Station).

3. 2018 – Arrested for narcotics distribution (Thung Khru Police Station).

4. 2024 – Arrest warrant issued for attempted murder (Tha Kham Police Station).

The suspect expressed remorse for his actions and apologised to those affected. Police have transferred him to the Kham Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities emphasise their commitment to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring public safety.

The 1-year-old victim continues to recover from his injuries, and police have vowed to pursue all individuals involved in the attack.

-- 2024-12-15