Picture courtesy of MGR

Police in Nakhon Sawan have arrested an 82-year-old man after a series of hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles and roadside barriers, with the suspect traced and detained in Chiang Mai. The case has drawn attention due to the suspect’s age, the long pursuit across provinces and the admission that he continued driving despite known eyesight problems. Two motorcyclists were injured, though neither suffered life-threatening wounds.

The incident dates back to 29 December 2025, when dashcam footage circulated on social media showing a white Nissan Navara pickup driving at speed along the shoulder of Highway 1 inbound to Nakhon Sawan in Phayuha Khiri district. The vehicle sideswiped a motorcycle, causing it to overturn on the roadside, before fleeing the scene. Further CCTV checks later revealed that the same pickup had earlier struck another motorcycle, also causing it to fall.

Both injured riders subsequently filed police complaints, prompting investigators from Phayuha Khiri police station to trace the pickup’s escape route. Officers later found that after leaving Nakhon Sawan, the vehicle had also collided with a roadside barrier in Kamphaeng Phet province before continuing north. The trail eventually led police to Mueang district, Chiang Mai province, where the suspect and the vehicle were located and seized.

On 5 January 2026, police detained Mr Chanin, aged 82, a Chiang Mai resident and handed him over to investigators led by Pol Capt Phairat Sukphan. He faces charges of reckless driving causing injury, failing to stop and provide assistance to injured persons and evading identification from authorities. During initial questioning, Mr Chanin gave a partial denial, claiming he was unaware that he had struck two motorcycles.

Police said that after returning to Chiang Mai, the suspect changed the vehicle’s registration plates from Bangkok number 6ขฉ 2621 to Mahasarakham number กฉ 6580 before continuing to use the pickup normally. A relative, Mr Kob, aged 50, told reporters that Mr Chanin had long been passionate about driving fast and continued to drive himself despite entering his eighties and suffering eyesight problems. The family had repeatedly warned him to stop driving, and he had previously crashed a Mercedes-Benz in Saraburi last year, which remains under repair.

MGRonline reported that Mr Chanin declined a formal interview but stated that on the day of the incident he was driving at around 110–120 kilometres per hour and felt no impact. He also admitted that in the past he was an aggressive lane-weaving driver. Police confirmed the vehicle carried third-class insurance, with insurers and compulsory motor insurance responsible for initial compensation, while officers will arrange further negotiations with the victims, as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• An 82-year-old driver was arrested in Chiang Mai after multiple hit-and-run crashes in late December 2025.

• Two motorcyclists were injured and the suspect faces charges including reckless driving and fleeing the scene.

• Police say the suspect changed licence plates after the crashes and had a history of prior accidents.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-07

 

 

18 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

he continued driving despite known eyesight problems

Apparently Mr. Magoo is alive and well and living in Chang Mai.

I spend about 2 days a week on highway 1 and 11. The skill level of drivers is never disappointing.

Police said that after returning to Chiang Mai, the suspect changed the vehicle’s registration plates from Bangkok number 6ขฉ 2621 to Mahasarakham number กฉ 6580 before continuing to use the pickup normally.

So he did know he hit them therefore he is a liar also. Jail for the old fool.