Pickup Driver Kills Nurse's Aide During Chiang Mai Gang Clash
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CHIANG MAI — A pickup driver who fatally struck a nurse's aide has surrendered, claiming he ducked to avoid gunfire from a rival youth group and fled in fear, causing the collision. Police, however, do not believe the explanation and suspect the driver was speeding and driving recklessly. They confirm they have identified all members of both youth gangs involved and intend to prosecute the case fully, including holding parents accountable.
The driver turned himself in at Mae Ping Police Station this evening along with the pickup involved.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thawatchai Phongwiwatchai, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, oversaw the case progress. He said the Region 5 commander ordered an immediate, intensive investigation to apprehend all perpetrators.
Police now know the identities of all suspects. The incident stemmed from a longstanding feud between two youth gangs that escalated via social media challenges. They arranged to meet for a brawl, but a police patrol arrived, prompting the groups to disperse. Later, while chasing each other in vehicles, one vehicle crashed and occupants were injured. At that moment, the nurse's aide, Kanokrat Yotthiwong, who was driving home, stopped to help the injured. As she assisted, the other gang's vehicle sped in and hit her, killing her. Two others were also injured.
The driver claims he was dodging gunfire from the rival gang and panicked, causing the crash. Police remain skeptical, believing speed and negligence were the primary factors.
Deputy Commander Thawatchai added that both gangs will face charges for assembling to fight. Background checks reveal both groups have prior arrests; after being bailed out by parents, they reoffended. Most suspects are over 18, aged 20–25, and exhibit group-oriented behavior. All vehicles and evidence have been seized. Police will also investigate whether the vehicles belong to or were provided by other individuals; if parents facilitated the offenses, they will face legal action as well.
