Man Claims Elite Status After Rear-Ending Rescue Vehicle

A sedan driver involved in a collision with a rescue truck in Nakhon Ratchasima claimed connections to a former provincial governor and blamed the rescue vehicle for not signaling before turning. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on a rainy evening on Chatiphattana Road near Boon Nimet Soi in Muang District. The driver, identified as Rajapakorn (surname withheld), exited his vehicle and engaged in a heated argument with rescue personnel, claiming the truck failed to use its turn signal before entering the soi, which caused him to rear-end it. He attempted to hold the rescue team responsible for the accident.

The situation escalated when additional rescue volunteers arrived at the scene. Fearing a confrontation, Rajapakorn became increasingly agitated, nearly resulting in a physical altercation. However, rescue volunteers at the scene intervened to prevent the situation from spiraling further, explaining that incoming rescue units were establishing a safety perimeter by activating emergency lights and sirens to warn passing traffic—a necessary precaution given the late hour and rainy conditions. This explanation helped calm the driver, preventing further escalation. After the incident, Rajapakorn used his mobile phone to record footage while visiting nearby homes and shops to request CCTV evidence, saying he remained concerned about whether the rescue truck's turn signal had been activated. He asked for adult advisors and requested police examine all evidence before determining fault.

On September 7, 2025, investigators from Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station brought both parties together for mediation and fact-finding. Anupol Jamjuri, 47, a volunteer with Sueang Metta Nakhon Ratchasima rescue service, took media to view the damaged rescue truck, which showed clear crushing damage to the rear. Rajapakorn's sedan was heavily damaged at the front. Anupol revealed that before the collision, he had been responding to a snake-catching call near a research center operated by a royal initiative before driving back to his quarters. In the rain-slicked conditions, as he approached the entrance to his home, he activated his turn signal and slowed down in the yellow box. As he prepared to turn, he checked his mirror and saw the approaching sedan, but was unable to swerve due to fears of the wet road causing him to lose control. He braked but was struck from behind.

After the collision, Anupol attempted to speak calmly and suggested waiting for police, but Rajapakorn became emotional and confrontational, leading to heated arguments and a brief physical scuffle that did not result in injury. Rajapakorn referred to himself as "the child of someone important" and alluded to a former Nakhon Ratchasima governor. During the incident, Rajapakorn appeared to show signs of intoxication, though a urine test came back negative. Anupol also submitted to testing, which was also negative.

Rajapakorn disclosed that he had previously worked with Chaiwat Chuenogsuk during the latter's tenure as Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Governor, before Chuenogsuk transferred to the Ministry of Interior and later became Udon Thani Provincial Governor.