Drunk Taxi Driver Flees After Plowing Into Homes in Bangkok Alley
A drunk taxi driver rammed a Bangkok alley on September 17, damaging motorcycles and property before fleeing; police are searching for the 50-year-old driver and have impounded the vehicle as evidence.
Police are searching for a drunk taxi driver who rammed a green-and-yellow cab down a narrow 3-metre alley in Bangkok, destroying motorcycles and residents' property before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing. The collision occurred on September 17 in Soi 6, Bang Sao Thong Municipality, Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province. Deputy Sheriff Vitthurya Pengbubpha of Bang Sao Thong Police Station received a report that a green-and-yellow taxi had sideswiped property in front of residential homes, damaging motorcycles, tables, chairs, clotheslines, and other items before the driver sped away. Authorities attended the scene of the narrow alley and found extensive damage to residents' belongings but no injuries. Police photographed the damage and requested CCTV footage for their investigation, working to identify and charge the driver.
Victim Somsak, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported the incident occurred around 3 a.m. while he was sleeping indoors. He heard a loud noise but initially dismissed it as fighting cats. Around 4 a.m., a neighbour called to alert him; he discovered significant damage to his neighbours' property outside their homes and minor damage to his own possessions. Community resident Kaela explained that the alley entrance originally had steel barriers preventing vehicle access, but municipal improvements removed them to allow ambulances and fire trucks easier entry during emergencies. A solid line painted on the road marks the area where residents should not park motorcycles or leave belongings; municipal workers typically alert residents before work.
Taxi owner Ekaphop, speaking anonymously, stated he owns the green-and-yellow taxi but rents it to 50-year-old Nattapong. He suspects Nattapong had been drinking and driving when he entered the narrow alley and caused the collision, causing extensive damage. Ekaphop provided information to police but has been unable to reach Nattapong, suspecting he fled in panic. Police discovered the taxi parked abandoned near Yindee Witthaya School, approximately 1 kilometre from the incident scene, and have seized it as evidence at Bang Sao Thong Police Station. Authorities are accelerating their search for the driver to pursue legal charges.
