Chaiyaphum: A motorcyclist crashed into a police officer after a group of teenagers, fearing arrest for drug use, attempted to escape police interception.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at a gas station on Highway 205 Suranarai, in the Ban Phet Subdistrict of Bamnet Narong District, Chaiyaphum Province. A large group of teenagers had gathered to race from Nakhon Ratchasima to witness the blooming of the Krachiao flowers festival in Thepsathit District. Their activities, which included fast driving and loud noise, prompted local villagers to alert police.
The Bamnet Narong Police Station responded by inspecting modified racing vehicles that lacked license plates and had loud exhaust pipes. During the operation, a 16-year-old youth, in an attempt to evade arrest, rode his motorcycle into the police officers, resulting in minor leg injuries to Sgt. Maj. Wachirawut Phakkhuntod and Sgt. Maj. Thachphon Khamfaeng.
The teenagers were apprehended and taken to Bamnet Narong Police Station for legal proceedings. Drug tests revealed that their urine samples were purple, confirming drug use. Upon questioning, the suspects admitted to consuming drugs and explained their actions as a desperate measure to avoid arrest, even raising their hands in apology to the police officers.
Initially, charges were filed against them for driving under the influence, resisting a police officer while on duty, and causing injury to a police officer. The incident gained further attention when the group posted pictures on social media, sparking discussions and criticisms regarding the police's use of force during the arrest.