Manhunt Underway After Pickup Driver Opens Fire on Police at Korat Checkpoint

Picture courtesy if Khaosod.

A dramatic and violent confrontation unfolded in Nakhon Ratchasima province late evening when a pickup truck driver evaded a police checkpoint and opened fire on pursuing officers, leaving one policeman seriously injured.

The incident occurred around 19:30 on 19 July near kilometre marker 243 on Mittraphap Road in Ban Nong Wa, Bua Lai district, close to the provincial border with Khon Kaen. The vehicle in question, a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck with only partial registration details available, ending in “19”, had approached the checkpoint in a suspicious manner before refusing to stop.

Police from Bua Lai Station, under the command of Pol. Col. Permsuk Siripal, had earlier set up a narcotics inspection checkpoint approximately 500 metres before the Nong Waeng intersection. As the suspect vehicle approached, officers attempted to pull it over for inspection. Instead, the driver accelerated away, heading towards Phon district in Khon Kaen.

Two officers, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Channarong Srichaloemsak and Pol. Sgt. Suphawit Pochainon, gave chase in a marked patrol car. The suspect vehicle suddenly performed a U-turn and began driving in the opposite direction, toward Sida district in Nakhon Ratchasima.

As the pursuit intensified, the suspect opened fire on the police vehicle using an unidentified firearm. The officers returned fire. Near the traffic lights in Sida district, Sgt. Maj. Channarong reported pain in his head, suspecting a gunshot wound. The pock-up quickly diverted to Sida Hospital for the officer to receive emergency treatment before being transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for further care.

The injured officer aged 36, is said to be in serious condition. The gunman managed to flee during the confusion and his identity and whereabouts remain unknown. Police have yet to confirm the number of individuals in the vehicle or the motive for the escape and attack.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana Yijeen, Commander of Provincial Police Region 3, confirmed he had received full reports of the incident. He has ordered an immediate and intensive manhunt for the perpetrator and directed officers to provide all necessary medical and moral support to the injured officer.

Authorities are also expanding their investigation to determine whether the suspect is involved in larger criminal activity, including drug trafficking. The public is urged to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the assailant.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-21