Drunken Driver Tries to Run Over Songkran Children and Crashes into Two Homes in Udon Thani

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod

 

A potentially deadly incident was narrowly avoided during Songkran celebrations in Ban Chiang village, Udon Thani province, after a heavily intoxicated man deliberately attempted to ram his pickup truck into homes and children playing with water in the street.

 

At around midday on 13 April, local authorities received a call from Mr. Pongthep Sitthiprom, the village headman of Moo 2 in Ban Chiang, Nong Han district, reporting that a drunk man had driven a pickup truck through the village during Songkran festivities, crashing into two houses and attempting to run over several children playing in front of their homes.

 

 

Terrified children and nearby residents were forced to flee for their lives as the vehicle sped towards them. The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Mr. Manop, a local resident of Ban Chiang, was reportedly heavily intoxicated and incoherent when apprehended by villagers. Witnesses stated he could barely sit upright and had to be tied up with rope as he attempted to flee the scene.

 

CCTV footage from the village’s community centre showed the man driving erratically from the direction of a nearby slaughterhouse, before abruptly steering his vehicle into a tent where children were celebrating Songkran. In a shocking video captured by residents, he could be heard shouting, “What are you interfering for? I’ll run everyone down!” before ramming houses numbered 116 and 146.

 

Mr. Beer, the owner of one of the damaged homes, recounted that his daughter and her friends had been playing with water outside when the man approached. “He was passed out in the middle of the road. I confronted him, and he got up and responded, threatening to kill everyone,” said Mr. Beer. 

 

The suspect then reversed his pickup and deliberately drove it into a power pole near the house, forcing an elderly man and several children to flee.

 

Officers from Nong Han Police Station arrived shortly after and took Mr. Manop into custody. A search of his vehicle uncovered two bottles of alcohol and two methamphetamine tablets. Officers also found documents indicating he was currently under probation and had been ordered to perform community service at a local temple.

 

He now faces serious charges including attempted murder and property damage.

 

In a dramatic twist, the suspect’s own mother arrived at the scene and, visibly distressed, condemned her son’s actions. “Make him pay for this. He’s violent even at home. I’ve had enough, he drinks and uses drugs. Do what you need to do, I won’t protect him,” she told police.

 

-- 2025-04-15

 

[richard_smith237]

Flippin drunk drivers again - there really needs to extreme penalties for this…

 

… too many selfish ayholes simply do have any concern for the consequences of getting caught…, & don’t care if they hurt & kill someone.

 

some of them forum members here too… 

[hotchilli]

On 4/15/2025 at 3:20 AM, Georgealbert said:

CCTV footage from the village’s community centre showed the man driving erratically from the direction of a nearby slaughterhouse, before abruptly steering his vehicle into a tent where children were celebrating Songkran. In a shocking video captured by residents, he could be heard shouting, “What are you interfering for? I’ll run everyone down!” before ramming houses numbered 116 and 146.

Attempted murder charges .... hope he gets put away.

[sfbandung]

The problem is meth and booze. The booze makes you crazy and then the meth means you don't pass out. There have always been problems with alcohol but meth is wreaking havoc in our village, and it isn't just the young. Middle aged men and women are getting hooked on the rubbish.

[kuzmabruk]

18 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

there really needs to extreme penalties for this…

They are going to nail him for property damage- the more serious of the two offenses 

[jcmj]

Good for you mom. No more protection and providing money to this drink and drugged up useless man. Probably wanted to do it years ago but afraid he’d kill you. Lock him up for good.