Two Young University Students Arrested After Crashing into Traffic Police Officer; Suspect Remains in Coma with Brain Swelling and Broken Neck; Gun Found in Vehicle
Two university students from Chiang Rai were arrested after their car hit a traffic police officer at a Bangkok checkpoint, leaving him in a coma with a broken neck and brain swelling. A 9mm handgun was found hidden in their vehicle.
While Deputy Superintendent Thanan Phiromjitcharoen and other traffic officers were conducting an alcohol checkpoint on Bangna-Trat Road in northern Bangna district, Bangkok, a white Mitsubishi Expander approached the checkpoint. Officer Thanan signaled the vehicle to stop, but the driver refused and struck him, causing him to fall and suffer severe injuries. The vehicle also collided with a motorcycle taxi and a regular taxi before officers blocked it with a pickup truck. The two occupants, identified as Thanabat, 20, and Akkrawin, 20, both from Chiang Rai, subsequently surrendered.
A search of the vehicle revealed a 9mm handgun and 24 rounds of ammunition hidden in the spare tire compartment. Both suspects tested negative for alcohol and drugs. Thanabat claimed he didn't see the officers, while both men stated they didn't know who owned the gun. Investigation revealed that Thanabat is a student at a prominent Bangkok university, while Akkrawin attends a northern Thailand university. Background checks showed Akkrawin has five prior cases involving assault and carrying firearms, and he is reportedly connected to the notorious Oreo gang that made headlines in early 2568.
According to doctors treating Officer Thanan, he remains in a coma with brain swelling, internal bleeding, a broken neck, and lacerations across his body. Both suspects were charged with unlawfully possessing and transporting firearms and ammunition in a populated area without justification, with additional charges of reckless endangerment resulting in serious bodily injury for Thanabat.
