Officer Killed After Sudden Lane Change Triggers Fatal Crash

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

A senior narcotics suppression officer was killed late on December 4 after his motorcycle was clipped by a pickup and then struck again by a following vehicle on Ratchaphruek Road in Nonthaburi. Emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and forensic doctors arrived at the scene near Central WestVille around 23.30, where they found the victim lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries. The incident brought traffic in the area to a sudden halt as police worked to secure the site.

The victim was identified as Pol Sub Lt Sumpan Panbankret, Deputy Inspector (Operations) of Subdivision 1, Division of Drug Trafficking Interception, Narcotics Suppression Bureau. He was found wearing a black T-shirt, an olive long-sleeved outer shirt and black jeans, with a Glock 19 pistol and a .38 revolver still in his possession. His black-red Honda CT 125 motorcycle lay overturned nearby, along with a full-face helmet.

Further along the lane, officers located a yellow taxi and a bronze Ford pickup that had collided after the pickup swerved trying to avoid the victim’s motorcycle. Both vehicles sustained damage and a black Isuzu D-Max box truck, about 50 metres away, showed signs of scraping and a dislodged number plate. Drivers of all three vehicles remained on site to give statements as the victim’s grieving wife and relatives arrived but declined to speak.

Taxi driver Jamlong La-ongsri, 60, said he was transporting a passenger from BTS Bang Wa to a housing estate when the crash occurred. He reported travelling in the left lane with the pickup beside him in the middle lane when he saw the motorcycle 20 metres ahead suddenly switch lanes without any obstruction. He said the pickup struck the motorcycle and spun into his lane, leaving him unable to brake in time, striking the motorcycle. He added that he was left shaken after learning the rider had died.

Pickup driver Nirot Boonkamphao, 40, said he was driving from Ratchaburi when the motorcycle unexpectedly moved from the left lane into his path while he was about to ascend a flyover. He attempted to swerve but struck the rider before crashing into the taxi, stating that he was focused on his girlfriend after the collision and did not initially realise what had happened behind him. He confirmed there was no dashcam in his vehicle.

Another witness, Thanapon Lertphompant, 21, said he was driving home to Singburi when he saw the motorcycle make a sudden lane change before it was hit by a pickup. He stated that his vehicle was struck by the falling motorcycle but denied running over the victim, saying he had parked further away to avoid causing additional collisions. He expressed fear and shock, noting it was his first experience of such an incident.

Thaitabloid reported that police examined physical evidence, vehicle damage and nearby CCTV footage to determine the precise sequence of events. Investigators are also reviewing statements from all involved drivers to assess whether any violations contributed to the fatal crash, as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• A narcotics suppression officer died after his motorcycle was struck and involved in multiple collisions on Ratchaphruek Road.

• Three vehicles were damaged, with all drivers providing consistent accounts of a sudden lane change by the victim.

• Police are analysing CCTV and evidence to establish the exact cause of the crash.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-06