Pattaya: Chaos erupted in Pattaya when a Bolt driver, dressed in navy camouflage, brandished a knife and threatened rescue workers, claiming affiliation with a famous general. The incident unfolded after the driver abandoned passengers and fled the scene of an accident.
According to Thai News Agency, the unsettling series of events began at noon when Nong Prue Police Station received a report of a car accident and a man wielding a knife on the Nong Hin railway in Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Among those affected were three Dutch nationals-a father, mother, and son-along with the Sawang Boriboon Foundation rescue team and a motorcyclist injured in the accident. The Bolt driver, who was wearing navy camouflage, threatened them with a 50 cm machete before escaping in a black Toyota Vios without a license plate.
Mr. Siriraj, a rescue volunteer, recounted the chaos as he assisted the injured from the accident involving a sedan and a motorcycle. The Bolt driver accused the rescuers of being 'scammers' and affiliated with a gang, then brandished a machete, threatening both the rescuers and others present. He subsequently forced a tourist family out of the vehicle onto the road before fleeing.
Mr. Tony, a 34-year-old Dutch national who was forcibly removed from the car, utilized a car tracking app to assist police in locating the driver. The authorities apprehended him at the Pattaya South intersection, approximately 5-6 kilometers from the initial incident. During the arrest, the driver attempted to intimidate the police and rescue workers with a pocket knife, leading to his detention with handcuffs.
The driver was identified as Mr. Somnuk, 36, from Trat Province. He exhibited erratic behavior, wearing a complete navy uniform and claiming to be a subordinate of a well-known former general. Upon searching the vehicle, police confiscated three knives: a machete, a pocket knife, and a grass-cutting knife. A drug test revealed no abnormalities, but charges were filed under the Knife Act, and the Bolt app was contacted for disciplinary measures against the driver.
Furthermore, Mr. Somnuk claimed to be a Bitcoin entrepreneur with millions in savings, insisting that his car contained critical information. However, the police dismissed his assertions and escorted him to Nongprue Police Station for further legal proceedings.