Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A man sparked a dramatic police pursuit in Nakhon Phanom province after speeding through a checkpoint and running a red light, all because he feared being caught driving under the influence. As it turned out, his blood alcohol level was within legal limits.

 

The incident occurred in the town of Na Kae when officers from Na Kae Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Kanaphot Phanomchai, set up a routine checkpoint to monitor traffic and conduct random breathalyser tests following Songkran festivities.

 

At around 21:00 on 16 April, a silver Isuzu pickup truck ignored officers’ signals to stop at the checkpoint and proceeded to run a red light at a major junction. Fearing the vehicle may be transporting illegal goods or narcotics, police quickly mobilised to pursue the. Vehicle, with 10 officers used to finally stop and surround the vehicle.

 

After a tense standoff, the driver finally exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Inside the truck were his wife, a resident of Wang Ya District in Nakhon Phanom, and a relative, both visibly shaken and frightened.

 

The driver was identified as Mr. Tum 40, from Soi Dao District in Chanthaburi province. He was visiting his wife’s family in Nakhon Phanom and had been preparing to drive back to Bangkok for work. He admitted that he had consumed alcohol with friends before hitting the road and panicked upon seeing the checkpoint, fearing he would fail a breath test.

 

Police later confirmed that his blood alcohol level was within the legal limit. However, Mr. Tum was charged with running a red light and obstructing police officers in the course of their duties. He was fined and formally warned against repeating such behaviour.

 

His wife, visibly distraught, scolded him at the scene, tearfully urging him to stop putting others at risk and creating unnecessary chaos.

 

-- 2025-04-17

 

9 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

He was fined and formally warned against repeating such behaviour.

He got off easy.