Nakhon Pathom: A young man from Nakhon Pathom tragically died after swallowing 49 methamphetamine pills when he encountered a police checkpoint. Despite being arrested after testing positive for methamphetamine, the man experienced severe stomach pain and bleeding from his mouth while detained. He was rushed to the hospital by police but succumbed to his condition.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the suspect, identified as Thiranai, driving a pickup truck from his home when he encountered the police checkpoint. In a state of panic, he ingested all 49 methamphetamine pills and attempted to evade the police. However, officers managed to apprehend him and noticed he had ingested something illegal. They retrieved a bag of methamphetamine pills from his throat. He confessed to swallowing the pills, intending to deliver them to a friend. Subsequently, he was taken to Nakhon Pathom Hospital for examination and questioning.
Further CCTV footage from the Nakhon Pathom City Police Station depicted Thiranai displaying erratic behavior, shaking the bars of his cell after ingesting the pills. Officers witnessed him collapsing and struggling to stand, prompting them to seek assistance from other inmates to transport him to the hospital.
Ms. Nattawadee, Thiranai’s girlfriend, along with his parents, sought justice for Thiranai’s death. She recounted the events of June 2, 2015, when Thiranai left home around 2:00 a.m. for work and encountered the checkpoint. In fear of being charged with drug possession, he swallowed the pills and attempted to flee. Despite the police retrieving a bag of pills from his throat, Thiranai was taken for drug testing and later detained at the police station. Ms. Nattawadee described visiting him and observing his deteriorating condition before he succumbed to convulsions and passed away at the hospital.
Pol. Col. Achirawat Thaworncharoenwat, Superintendent of Nakhon Pathom City Police Station, stated that an investigation committee would be established to review the incident, ensuring full assistance and adherence to procedures.