Teen on Drug Binge Steals Mother’s Car & Flees 80km Before Police Intervene

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 15-year-old boy suffering from severe methamphetamine addiction was dramatically apprehended by police after stealing his mother’s car and fleeing more than 80 kilometres across Nakhon Ratchasima.

The incident began early in the morning of 9 June, in Chumpuang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the youth, identified only as “A” for legal reasons, managed to escape confinement at his home. His mother had chained him by the ankle in a desperate attempt to prevent further outbursts of violent and erratic behaviour fuelled by daily meth use.

Having freed himself from the chain, the teenager stole the family sedan and began his journey towards the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. At approximately 17:15, he was spotted by a concerned citizen at a traffic light near Wing 1 Airbase on Highway 304. The caller reported a suspicious young man with shackles on his ankle, appearing disoriented and wearing clothing similar to that of a prisoner.

Responding swiftly, Pol. Col. Weenawat Sriyem, Superintendent of Pho Klang Police Station, and his team managed to intercept the vehicle using tactical measures. The youth was taken into custody without resistance.

He was found to be in a dishevelled state, exhibiting signs consistent with heavy drug use. Officers provided him with food and water before initiating contact with social workers and mental health professionals.

Further investigations revealed that “A” was not facing criminal charges at the time of his escape. According to his mother, the teenager had become increasingly unstable due to his addiction, consuming up to five methamphetamine pills daily. His erratic and sometimes aggressive behaviour had reportedly endangered both his family and neighbours.

Authorities disclosed that the teenager had tried to stop at a PTT petrol station in the Chor Hor area during his escape, but he lacked money to purchase fuel or goods. Station staff, suspicious due to his appearance and the visible chain, mistook him for an escaped prisoner and also alerted police.

Subsequent drug tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in his system. While technically he may face legal consequences, officials from multiple agencies, including the local social development office, psychologists, and public health professionals, have prioritised a rehabilitation-led response over prosecution.

The youth has since been transferred to Thepparat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for initial care, before being admitted to Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital for long-term treatment and drug rehabilitation.

Senior officers, including Pol. Col. Kachen Setaputta, Deputy Commander of the Provincial Police, stressed the need for an integrated approach to youth drug addiction, in line with national policy. They expressed hope that with proper care, the teenager might be reintegrated into society and live a stable life in the future.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-11