Former F1 driver Mika Salo denies being assaulted, suggests motorcycle license plate caused injury
Former F1 driver Mika Salo sustained a serious leg wound near Bangkok's Nana intersection on May 19 but denies being assaulted, suggesting it may have been caused by a motorcycle license plate fragment.
On May 26, 2569, Lumpini Police Station's Tourism Police invited 59-year-old Mika Salo, a Finnish former Formula 1 driver, to provide a statement regarding a serious leg injury sustained near Nana intersection on May 19, 2569, which police initially suspected was caused by a motorcycle. Salo told the media that on the day of the incident, while walking at Nana intersection, he felt no one attacking him. Only when a local resident informed him that his leg was bleeding did he seek medical attention. Medical staff mentioned his wound resembled a cut from a sharp object, but Salo believes it was an accident rather than an intentional assault because he felt nothing at the time and no property was stolen. Regarding the incident in Thailand, Salo expressed no concern or fear, stating he feels comfortable and considers Thailand one of the safest cities he has visited. He confirmed he is a genuine former F1 driver but is no longer a professional racer. He views the 28-stitch wound as minor—merely preventing him from swimming due to Thailand's hot climate. Lt. Col. Yoswee Chantawat, the investigating officer, stated the incident occurred at Nana intersection near Sukhumvit Road. The victim reported feeling nothing and only learned of the wound from a local resident. Police are checking CCTV footage in the area and gathering evidence, as no formal complaint was filed. The hospital has reported similar injuries to Thai nationals and foreigners caused by motorcycle license plate fragments, suggesting this is a plausible cause of Salo's injury.
