Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Nakhon Si Thammarat when a 19-year-old man, high on methamphetamine, violently attacked a police officer before attempting to escape by jumping into a canal. The incident occurred on 8 April at around 13:00, in the Thasala district of the province.

 

Police had received intelligence about a group of young people using drugs at a house in the area. When officers arrived, they found a group of three to four individuals, who immediately fled in various directions. One of the suspects, later identified as Wanchapong (or Pete) Siri-kun, aged 29, who had already consumed three methamphetamine tablets, became aggressive and punched Lieutenant Colonel Nattawit Choojinda, the Deputy Head of the Investigation Unit at Thasala Police Station, in the face. 

 

 

Taking advantage of the moment, Wanchapong bolted from the scene. Police quickly gave chase, chasing him for about one kilometre before Wanchapong, realising he was cornered, jumped into a nearby canal, hoping to escape by swimming to the opposite bank. However, reinforcements led by Lieutenant Colonel Teerapol Phumchai, Deputy Head of the Investigation Division at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station, arrived in time. Despite being fully clothed, Phumchai wasted no time in diving into the canal to apprehend Wanchapong.

 

During the pursuit, Phumchai injured his foot on a piece of broken ceramic, requiring two stitches. Another officer also sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, Nattawit, who had been punched, was treated for his head injury and was later cleared for duty.

 

After Wanchapong was arrested, police searched his person and his residence. They discovered 17 methamphetamine tablets, in addition to the three, which he admitted to having consumed earlier. Wanchapong apologised to the officers, explaining that his actions were a result of panic, not intentional hostility.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Phumchai, who recently assumed his position at the Thasala Police Station, has been intensifying efforts to combat drug-related issues in the area, especially around local shops. He emphasised the importance of taking a firm stance against drug use and criminal activity to ensure public safety.

 

-- 2025-04-09

 

 

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