Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

A pickup driver opened fire on a motorway rescue vehicle late on 15 February 2026 before abandoning his truck and fleeing into woodland with his girlfriend in Chonburi province. The incident occurred at 22.35 on motorway 7, between kilometre markers 129–131, inbound to Rayong, in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. Police have launched a manhunt, warning that the suspect is armed and dangerous.

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Pol Lt Singharot Suebsong, Deputy Inspector of Highway Police Subdivision 1, Division 8, received reports that a gunman had fired at a motorway rescue vehicle, causing damage. He coordinated with Pol Lt Col Prakasit Paladej, investigation inspector at Huai Yai Police Station, and officers attended the scene. The damaged rescue vehicle, registration from Bangkok, had been struck by bullets at the right rear tyre and wheel arch.

Around 100 metres away, officers found a white Isuzu D-Max pickup, registration from Bangkok, abandoned on the hard shoulder. The suspect and his girlfriend had reportedly run into nearby woodland before police arrived. At the scene, officers recovered one spent 11mm cartridge case and three live rounds outside the pickup, with a further eight spent casings found inside the vehicle.

In the rear of the pickup, police discovered 51 sacks of fresh kratom leaves weighing approximately 500 kilogrammes. Rescue workers told officers they had initially approached the driver after seeing his vehicle parked in a dangerous location. The driver said he was arguing with his girlfriend and rescue staff advised him to remain calm and talk through the issue before leaving the area.

According to the rescue team, the driver then followed their vehicle and fired shots at it, forcing them to stop. He subsequently parked in front of the rescue vehicle and fled into the forest with his girlfriend. No injuries were reported, but the rescue vehicle sustained damage.

Highway police and Huai Yai Police have sealed off the surrounding woodland and are conducting a search operation. Authorities have urged local residents to report any suspicious male and female individuals immediately, stressing that the suspect is armed and considered dangerous.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to apprehend the pair and examine the seized evidence, including the firearm, ammunition and kratom leaves.

Key Takeaways

• A gunman fired two shots at a motorway rescue vehicle in Chonburi on 15 February 2026.

• Police found spent 11mm cartridge cases, live rounds and 500 kilogrammes of fresh kratom leaves in the abandoned pickup.

• The suspect and his girlfriend fled into woodland, prompting an ongoing armed manhunt.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 16 Feb 2026

Just another little boy playing adult, needs a good klcking when they caught up wlth them.

What's with these 11 mm guns recently? I suspect they mean .45ACP, which is 11.23mm.

Another maniac on the yaba juice.

Revoke his privileges.

A rather excellent job of pointing by the senior officer, there's no substitute for years of experience.

Take note, rookies!

His companion is a Thai version of Barney Fife.

6 hours ago, Wingate said:

I suspect they mean .45ACP, which is 11.23mm.

Just as well you pointed this out as it has a massive impact on the story - thanks.