Former Policeman, 55, Steals Border Patrol Vehicle and Causes Chaos Across Provinces

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from CCTV

 

A 55-year-old former police officer stole a four-door pickup truck belonging to the Border Patrol Police in Ubon Ratchathani and went on a chaotic spree across multiple provinces before being apprehended in Buriram. Claiming he was on his way to visit a former superior.

 

The man exhibited erratic behaviour, including seizing lottery tickets from a vendor and demanding free fuel. Authorities later confirmed he had a history of mental illness, which had led to his dismissal from the police force.

 

On 28 February, reports emerged that Police Sub-Lieutenant Sonchai, formerly attached to the investigative unit of Bua Yai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, had stolen a black Ford pickup truck. The vehicle, registered in Ubon Ratchathani, belonged to Police Sergeant Pongwisith Klinkaew of the Border Patrol Police 12 in Sa Kaeo.

 

The incident began when Sonchai spotted the truck, which had been left running while awaiting service at a garage in Ubon Ratchathani. Claiming he was initially planning to purchase a vehicle, he instead took the opportunity to drive off in the police-owned truck.

 

His journey took him to a petrol station in Khukhan district, Sisaket, where he ordered staff to fill the tank with fuel worth 2,610 baht. Entering a café at the station, he demanded 1,000 baht from the cashier, threatening, “If you don’t give me the money, I will kill everyone in this station.” He then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

 

Continuing his erratic behaviour, Sonchai later encountered a lottery vendor selling tickets at an inflated price of 100 baht each. Declaring himself an enforcer of the law, he confiscated two full sets of tickets, amounting to over 200 lottery slips, before driving on towards Buriram.

 

Aware of his movements, Major General Narongsak Promtha, Commander of Buriram Provincial Police, issued an alert for all police stations along his likely route, especially given concerns over the firearm inside the stolen vehicle.

 

At approximately 15:00 Sonchai arrived at the Buriram Provincial Investigation Division, requesting to meet Colonel Yutthapong Rodnuan, the unit’s commander and a former superior of his. Officers swiftly took him into custody, finding a gun holster and a 9mm magazine inside the vehicle, though the firearm itself was missing. The seized lottery tickets were also recovered for further investigation.

 

While in custody, Sonchai exhibited signs of anxiety amd distress but was able to provide a statement. He claimed his intention had been to travel to Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, to assist with an unsolved case involving multiple sexual assaults on elderly women. However, his route took an unusual detour, including the stop in Sisaket for fuel and the confrontation with the lottery vendor.

 

He also insisted that his arrival in Buriram was to personally invite his former superior to an event he was organising, where well-known singer Monkan Kankoon had been booked to perform.

 

Authorities confirmed that Sonchai had previously served in the Bua Yai police force but was discharged due to mental health issues. His former connection with Colonel Yutthapong was also verified.

 

For now, he remains in custody while officials determine the appropriate course of action. The confiscated lottery tickets will be returned to their rightful owner, and further investigations will establish the whereabouts of the missing firearm.

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

[watchcat]

45 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities later confirmed he had a history of mental illness, which had led to his dismissal from the police force.

 

Will he still get his pension?

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Will he still get his pension?

Of course he will. This little misunderstanding has nothing to do with this hard working and upstanding man.