Crime Emergency Rescue Crew Threatened by Armed Man Who Mistook Them for Criminal Accomplices

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

An alarming incident unfolded in the early hours of 24 May, when a rescue team rushing to help transport a patient to hospital was threatened by an armed man who mistakenly believed they were helping criminals flee the scene of a burglary.

 

At approximately 04:15, the Sawang Boonchuay Rescue Association in Trat Province received a call to collect a patient from Soi Wat Tha Phrik, located in Tha Phrik sub-district of Mueang District, and transport them to Trat Hospital. The team, led by Mr. Atthaphon Laiwalak and accompanied by two other volunteers, arrived promptly at the location.

 

However, upon arrival, their ambulance was suddenly cut off by a grey Honda City. The driver, later identified as Mr. Kwanjai, also known locally as “Nong”, aged between 45, exited the vehicle brandishing a firearm and proceeded to threaten the rescue crew. He claimed the ambulance was aiding a burglar in fleeing from his home.

 

Mr. Atthaphon recounted that despite repeatedly explaining their medical mission, the man continued to aggressively point the weapon at the ambulance and shout accusations. With tensions escalating, the rescue team was forced to contact local police for urgent assistance.

 

Later at 04:40, the emergency 191 call centre received a report of a burglary at a house in the same area. The caller was, in fact, Mr. Kwanjai himself. Police Lieutenant Samnuek Promsawat from the Tha Phrik outpost responded immediately to the scene. Upon arrival, he engaged with the visibly agitated Mr. Kwanjai, who insisted a thief had escaped in the ambulance. Lt. Samnuek then secured the firearm, which had been returned to the suspect’s car.

 

Soon after, Police Lieutenant Somchok Thipyot, head of the city patrol unit, arrived with backup. Lt. Samnuek then accompanied Mr. Kwanjai to his residence, located about 50 metres away, to investigate the alleged break-in. The wooden, elevated single-storey house showed no signs of forced entry or disturbance. Occupants inside the house claimed they had no knowledge of any burglary, only that the lights had suddenly turned on.

 

Further inspection of Mr. Kwanjai’s belongings and behaviour revealed signs of paranoia and anxiety. He spoke rapidly, sweated profusely and claimed he had seen four to five shadowy figures, both men and women, fleeing his property. He admitted to firing a gun into the air and then pursuing what he believed to be the getaway vehicle, the rescue ambulance.

 

Police escorted Mr. Kwanjai, his vehicle, and the weapon to Mueang Trat Police Station. A check of the firearm revealed it was registered, though not under Mr. Kwanjai’s name. He refused to undergo a drug test, prompting officers to file preliminary charges under the Firearms Act and for resisting an officer.

 

It later emerged that Mr. Kwanjai had a prior conviction. In 2015, he was imprisoned for fatally shooting a rival during an altercation at a convenience store in Tha Phrik. He had only recently been released.

 

Police are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of further charges pending the results of ongoing inquiries.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-25.