Runaway Novice Monk Crashes Stolen Van in Chaotic Nakhon Pathom Chase

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture of the arrest.

 

An 18-year-old novice monk caused chaos on the roads after stealing a van from a temple in Ratchaburi and leading police on a high-speed chase through Nakhon Pathom. The young monk, who later claimed he was simply trying to visit his mother, was eventually stopped and taken into custody.

 

At 9:10 on January 31, Nakhon Pathom police received an urgent report of a white Toyota van (registration from Ratchaburi) crashing into a barrier on Phetkasem Road near the Bypass Inn Hotel in Sarakratium Subdistrict.

 

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the driver was exhibiting erratic behaviour, attempting to accelerate away from the scene despite the damage to the vehicle’s front grille. Officers immediately attempted to intercept the van as it continued towards downtown Nakhon Pathom, hitting multiple vehicles along the way.

 

As the pursuit intensified, Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Detsakda Taemrungreung ordered patrol officers to set up roadblocks at key intersections. The chase continued until the van reached Song Phon Road, where it was intercepted at a red light near the Whale Hotel.

 

The driver, identified as an 18-year-old novice monk, was seen wearing a police-style cap and appeared visibly agitated and confused.

 

When questioned, the young monk claimed he stole the vehicle from Wat Sanam Chai in Ratchaburi because he missed his mother and wanted to visit her in Bo Phlap Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Pathom.

 

He admitted to knowing that he had been crashing into vehicles along the way and stated that this was his first time driving a car. He repeatedly insisted that he had no intention to cause harm, only that he wanted to return home to his mother.

 

Following the arrest, investigators from Damnoen Saduak Police Station arrived to take the monk into custody for further legal proceedings. The van’s rightful owner, Mr Ton, reported that he had left the vehicle parked with the key inside while stopping for coffee at a café inside Wat Sanam Chai. The novice monk then took the opportunity to drive off, triggering the police chase.

 

Authorities from Ratchaburi Provincial Police had already alerted multiple jurisdictions to monitor and intercept the stolen van before the arrest took place.

 

Police are now investigating the extent of the damage caused and whether the young monk will face additional charges beyond vehicle theft.

 

-- 2025-02-01

 

 

[soalbundy]

Novice monk......no Amulet, it had to go wrong.

[ignore it]

Next time just nick a phone from another monk and call her.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

Maybe running high on yabba?

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

When questioned, the young monk claimed he stole the vehicle from Wat Sanam Chai in Ratchaburi because he missed his mother and wanted to visit her in Bo Phlap Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Pathom.

 

He admitted to knowing that he had been crashing into vehicles along the way and stated that this was his first time driving a car. He repeatedly insisted that he had no intention to cause harm, only that he wanted to return home to his mother.

The fish-head soup must've been good.. had to pop back home.

The road he's on is a main route into the mueang area of nakhon pathom, 5 minutes from phra pathom chedi temple.

His location in the OP photo is somewhere adjacent to Silpakorn University

[kidneyw]

They always seem to run to their Mummy.

[Stargeezr]

A formeer novice monk is what the ehad line should be, disrobing must have happened, as well as

justice served to an 18 year old Thai adult in a robe. Of course this is Thailand so I wonder

what did happen to this guy?