BMW Driver Caught Napping at Red Light After Manchester Derby

A BMW driver was discovered fast asleep behind the wheel at a red light in Nonthaburi on September 14, 2026, after staying up late to watch the Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City. At 06:20, Pol. Lt. Col. Pariwat Soms-aad, traffic inspector at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station, responded to reports of an unconscious driver at the Rama 5 intersection on Phibulsongkram Road in Suan Yai subdistrict.

Police found a black BMW stopped in the middle lane, blocking traffic. A man believed to be about 40 years old was asleep in the driver's seat and did not wake despite officers knocking on the window and attempting to rouse him for over 20 minutes. As traffic accumulated and officers feared a medical emergency or safety hazard, they called a tow truck to move the vehicle to the traffic police booth.

The driver woke up after the BMW was towed and explained he had been exhausted from staying up late to watch the Premier League match. He told police that the lack of sleep caused him to become dangerously fatigued while driving. Fortunately, no accident occurred.

Pol. Lt. Col. Pariwat urged motorists to get adequate rest before driving, warning that fatigue endangers both drivers and other road users. The driver, identified only as Mr. A, was fined 4,000 baht total on two charges: obstructing traffic and driving with an expired licence (2,000 baht each), which he paid.

Interestingly, the traffic inspector revealed he is also a Manchester United fan and had watched the derby himself. However, he stopped watching after Haaland's header and went to bed early so he could report for duty the next morning. He concluded by offering encouragement to fellow Manchester United supporters despite the team's disappointing result.