Deranged Man Goes Beserk In Stolen Pattaya

[libya 115]

SOURCE: Pattaya City News: May 16th 2008

DERANGED MAN GOES BERSERK IN STOLEN PATTAYA FIRE ENGINE INTENT ON HITTING THE HEADLINES

A somewhat deranged individual started his evening‘s lunacy by ranting in a disturbed manner outside a police station, waving a large stick in the air. After being chased away, he then sneaked into Pattaya Fire Department and stole a fire engine, intent on a joy ride. Unfortunately, the gears of the fire engine were faulty, and losing control, he first crashed into a car and then rammed a large tree, where he came to a shuddering fault.

The truck rustler became trapped in the cab and sustained injuries in the crash. He then had further humiliation inflicted on him by irate locals, who beat him up for his audacity.

On May 15, 2008, at 00.10am, Pol.Lt.Col.Chaiporn Thongnapien, Banglamung investigator, was notified that a man had stolen a fire truck from Pattaya Fire Department, located behind Banglamung Police Station, Moo 2, Naklua which he had then crashed. The investigating officers arrived at the crash scene, only 500 m. away from the police station, to find Pattaya fire officials and neighbours surrounding a red Fuso fire truck that had rammed a large tree on the road side. Mr. Sithipol Thongpic, (36), from Petchaboon province, was trapped inside the wreck.

He had sustained a minor injury to his face and was assisted out of the truck with difficulty. No sooner had he emerged than he was set upon by vigilantes, who apparently objected to his antics. They beat him up causing further injuries to his face and lips. Police immediately took him back to Banglamung Police Station.

Officials inspected the fire truck's route and discovered, prior to hitting the tree, Mr. Sithipol had crashed into a red Isuzu pickup truck, damaging a light and the body. Mr. Kongdet Bpodum (35), a staff member of Fire Department told police that during his night-shift duty, he had seen Mr. Sithipol being chased out of Banglamung Police Station, carrying a long wooden stick. He paid scant attention, assuming Mr.Sithipol was either drunk or disturbed.

Shortly after, Mr. Sithipol apparently sneaked into one of the fire trucks, which conveniently had a key in the ignition ready for emergencies. Mr. Sithipol started the engine and almost managed to drive away unobserved, but the five fire officers on duty noticed the attempted theft and leapt in front of the truck, shouting at him to stop.

Mr. Sithipol, however, had other ideas and sped towards them, scattering the firemen before his onslaught, driving off in the direction of Sukhumvit Road. Had the fire engine been ok, there's no telling what mayhem Mr. Sithipol might have caused, but the gears were faulty and the joy-rider, losing control, merrily ploughed into the pick-up and then the tree.

Pol.Lt.Col.Chaiporn remarked that he had been the policeman who had originally chased the apparently deranged individual away, only later realizing that the selfsame person had subsequently stolen and wrecked the fire engine. Mr.Sithipol later confessed that his motivation had been to go on a joy ride because he wanted to make news and be on TV and in the newspapers.

[kurgen]

Mr.Sithipol later confessed that his motivation had been to go on a joy ride because he wanted to make news and be on TV and in the newspapers.

a star is born

[eefoo]

Why am I not surprised that a Pattaya fire engine, supposedly on standby for an emergency, was faulty. I can't see that faulty gears would cause someone to crash into a car and a tree though - that's just crap driving!!

[Basil B]

I can't see that faulty gears would cause someone to crash into a car and a tree though

May be the "Rack & Pinion" that attach to the track rods???

BB

[Scott]

It's good to know that emergency vehicles are kept in such good condition. Maybe that's the reason the 'luxury' vehcile burned (another thread).

[Macx]

"A somewhat deranged individual started his evening‘s lunacy by ranting in a disturbed manner outside a police station, waving a large stick in the air. After being chased away,..."

So, the cops didn't want to bother letting him chill in the tank for a few hours?

Where on earth could you rant and brandish a large stick outside a POLICE STATION without consequences?

Now, if he had caused death to innocent bystanders ...

Seems like lots of things here are a mere fraction of a degree away from tragedy.

[eefoo]

I can't see that faulty gears would cause someone to crash into a car and a tree though

May be the "Rack & Pinion" that attach to the track rods???

BB

Personally I would call that "faulty steering", but then I'm not a Pattaya journalist, who, as we know, often have a problem with facts. One would hope though that a fire truck with faulty steering would be repaired rather than being on emergency standby - it wouldn't stand much chance of ever reaching a fire if it had to hit every parked car and tree on the way!

[Briggsy]

"A somewhat deranged individual started his evening‘s lunacy by ranting in a disturbed manner outside a police station, waving a large stick in the air. After being chased away,..."

So, the cops didn't want to bother letting him chill in the tank for a few hours?

Where on earth could you rant and brandish a large stick outside a POLICE STATION without consequences?

Now, if he had caused death to innocent bystanders ...

Seems like lots of things here are a mere fraction of a degree away from tragedy.

Thai police are very lazy and like to watch TV and drink at karaoke bars. Dealing with people with mental health problems is tiring and tiresome and not profitable. They will avoid doing anything related to this if possible.