Bangkok —
At 1:00 AM on September 26th, 2024, Thung Maha Mek police officers arrested a 28-year-old Thai driver after going on a rampage, damaging eight vehicles, and threatening three foreign tourists with a firearm at the busy intersection of North Sathorn Road, Bangkok.
According to the officers, Ms. Wiphanee (last name was withheld) was arrested after she went on a rampage, damaging eight vehicles and threatening three foreign tourists with a 9mm automatic firearm while they were sitting in a tuk-tuk. The suspect, who had no bullets in her gun, caused widespread panic, fortunately, no one was injured.
The incident began at 8:30 PM on September 25th, when police received reports of a white sedan hitting multiple vehicles near the Kronos Sathorn Building. The suspect fled the scene, and police tracked her down near Witthayu Road, where her car had crashed onto the sidewalk and collided with a taxi.
According to the officers, unidentified witnesses reported the suspect allegedly acting erratically, running out of the car with a firearm, and threatening three foreign tourists in a tuk-tuk, causing them and their driver to flee in fear. The chaotic scene caused panic among the public, with many running for safety.
During her arrest, the suspect allegedly struck a traffic officer, Sgt. Sataporn Phanngam, on the left cheek with her firearm, causing minor injuries. Police were finally able to apprehend her after a brief struggle. A search of her car revealed a sharp knife under the driver’s seat and documents related to the purchase of the firearm, which she had bought just days before for 25,000 baht, according to the officers.
The suspect reportedly told police that she works as a hail-riding driver and had a mental breakdown after a minor car accident with a black sedan near the Kronos Building. In a panic, she believed she was being followed and began ramming cars before eventually crashing.
She admitted to using the gun to intimidate the tuk-tuk passengers, although the gun was unloaded.
Relatives later informed police that Wiphanee had taken sedatives before leaving her house and had a history of psychiatric treatment at Somdet Chaopraya Hospital.
Police conducted drug and alcohol tests, which came back negative. Currently, she faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in public without permission, and reckless driving causing property damage.
Authorities are also considering additional charges for resisting arrest, following further investigation into the injuries of the traffic officer and a taxi driver hurt in the incident.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
