Evading Police Checkpoint, Young Man Turns Into Alley But Can't Escape—Arrested With Gun and Under the Influence
A man evading a police alcohol checkpoint in Bangkok was arrested after turning into an alley, where officers found an illegal .38 caliber handgun and confirmed he was driving under the influence.
On May 4, 2026, Lt. Col. Damrong Swanggam, commander of Traffic Division 5, along with Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Theerawit Busbun, Section Chief Pol. Col. Nutthasit Sanphaphop, and other officers jointly arrested Mr. Thanon and seized a .38 caliber handgun from a restaurant parking lot in Soi Pathanavikul 105, Prawet District, Bangkok. The arrest came after police had established an alcohol testing checkpoint at the entrance to Soi Pathanavikul 105 on May 3, 2026. When Thanon drove up and turned into the soi, officers became suspicious of his behavior and conducted an inspection. They discovered the vehicle parked at the said lot and found the firearm in the car's storage compartment. Thanon claimed he obtained the gun from an acquaintance and admitted to drinking alcohol. A breathalyzer test registered 61 milligrams percent, after which he was taken in for legal proceedings.
