Teenager Killed After High-Speed Chase with Trang Police, Family Raises Concerns

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A high-speed police chase in Trang Province ended in tragedy when a motorcycle carrying two young men lost control and crashed. The incident, which occurred after police pursued the pair for over five kilometres, resulted in the death of 30-year-old Theerapong Sopon, while the bike rider, Thanakrit Sarakun 19, sustained critical injuries.

 

The crash happened on a curved section of the road in Na Talung subdistrict, Mueang Trang district, when the motorcycle reportedly veered off the road while attempting to evade a police checkpoint. According to initial forensic examinations, Theerapong suffered severe trauma, including bruising around his eyes, and is believed to have died from a broken neck. However, what has raised serious concerns among his relatives is the discovery of handcuff marks on his wrists.

 

At around 10:30 on 18 March, Police Lieutenant Narachai Kaewnu of Trang City Police Station received reports of the crash in front of a residence on Moo 4, Na Talung subdistrict.

 

Investigations revealed that the motorcycle, registered in Chonburi, attempted to escape a police checkpoint set up on Ton Pring-Nong Trut Road near a local driving school. Officers pursued the fleeing vehicle for over five kilometres, until the chase ended in a deadly crash after the bike lost control when a car approached from the opposite direction.

 

Thanakrit, the driver, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Trang Hospital, while Theerapong, the passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

While the initial medical report suggested the fatal injuries were caused by a high-impact collision, Theerapong’s family is demanding further investigation after noticing restraint marks on his wrists.

 

“The police must clarify what really happened. How could there be handcuff marks if he died from a crash?” a family member stated.

 

The deceased, a lorry driver, leaves behind an eight-year-old son, currently studying in Primary Year 2.

 

Trang police have pledged a thorough investigation to ensure justice for all parties. Authorities have also confirmed that discussions are underway regarding possible compensation for the family.

 

“The case is being carefully examined. We will review all evidence, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies, to establish the facts,” an official spokesperson said.

 

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited public debate over police pursuit tactics and accountability in high-speed chases.

 

 

-- 2025-03-19

 

[Gottfrid]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited public debate over police pursuit tactics and accountability in high-speed chases.

No! It has not! If the report about handcuff marks on the dead victim is true, then this has reignited always ongoing debate over police work ethics and abuse of power.

[Captain Flack]

A post breaking forum riles has been removed.

 

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[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Motorbike Chase Ends in Fatal Crash in Trang: Police Explain the Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod of CCTV of the chase.

 

A dramatic motorbike chase in Trang ended in tragedy when two young men attempting to evade a police checkpoint lost control, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The incident has raised questions from the victim’s family, prompting a response from the provincial police chief.

 

The chase began on the morning of 18 March 2025 when Thanakrit, 19, from Thung Krabue, Yan Ta Khao District, was riding a Honda Wave i 125 with registration from Chonburi. As he approached a police checkpoint on Ton Pring-Pa Mak Intersection Road, he abruptly turned to avoid inspection. His pillion rider, Teerapong (also known as “Jean”), 30, was seated behind him.

 

Police patrol officers attempted to block the duo, but they managed to escape, prompting a pursuit by a police motorcycle unit. The chase continued for approximately four kilometres along the Trang Riverside Road, passing through Pa Mak intersection and Wat Phaisont. The pursuit ended when the motorbike veered off at a curve while trying to avoid an oncoming pickup truck, crashing into the roadside.

 

The impact left Thanakrit injured, while Teerapong was fatally wounded. However, controversy arose when witnesses and the victim’s family questioned why police handcuffed the deceased at the scene.

In response to the public concern, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattharawit Keetamonneeyakul, Trang Provincial Police Commander, clarified the incident.

 

He stated that the crash resulted from the suspect’s own decision to flee rather than comply with standard checkpoint procedures. Body camera footage from the pursuing officer captured the entire chase, confirming that police did not use excessive force.

 

Regarding the handcuffing of the deceased, the officer explained that the incident site was on uneven terrain, two metres below the road surface. The lone pursuing officer, equipped with only one pair of handcuffs, first secured the passenger, who had been thrown further from the crash, before returning to restrain the driver. At the time, the officer was unaware that Teerapong had already succumbed to his injuries.

 

A post-incident investigation revealed that Thanakrit had a prior criminal record related to drug offences and was still using narcotics. A drug test confirmed methamphetamine in his system, and his motorbike was found to be unregistered and illegally modified.

 

Thanakrit now faces multiple charges, including:

 

• Driving under the influence of drugs

• Reckless driving causing death

• Evading a police checkpoint

 

Authorities have urged the victim’s family to seek compensation through motor vehicle accident insurance if applicable.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattharawit reaffirmed that the police followed standard procedures and that the situation resulted from the suspect’s actions. He stressed the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement, stating:

 

“Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear at police checkpoints. Those who attempt to flee often have something to hide. We urge people to comply with routine inspections to ensure their own safety and that of others.”

 

The deceased’s body has been sent to Prince of Songkla University Hospital in Hat Yai for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Initial reports suggest minimal external injuries, leading experts to investigate possible internal bleeding or spinal damage as the fatal cause. The final autopsy results are pending.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

[George Bowman]

"If you don't comply, I will use force. Now put your hands behind your back!"

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, George Bowman said:

"If you don't comply, I will use force. Now put your hands behind your back!"

Of course they will. What is strange with that?

[Lucky Bones]

Money will change hands. Problem solved🙃🙃