Young Rescue Worker Narrowly Escapes Gunfire from Drunk Police Officer—Survives by Sheer Luck
A rescue volunteer in Udon Thani narrowly escaped being shot by a drunk police officer after responding to a motorcycle accident on May 17. The officer fired at the rescue team before fleeing; no one was injured and police later apprehended
A rescue volunteer nearly lost his life after attempting to assist a motorcycle accident victim, only to be shot at by an intoxicated police officer. Jirawatch Phanrangsi (nickname: Go), 41, head of the Pakho Subdistrict rescue unit in Kudjab District, Udon Thani, posted an account of the harrowing incident on Facebook. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on May 17, 2025, on a road between Ban Non Sung and Ban Nong Sang Prai in Pakho Subdistrict.
According to Jirawatch's account, a citizen reported a motorcycle accident. He and five team members arrived at the scene with rescue vehicles about one kilometer from the subdistrict office. Upon reaching the injured officer, Jirawatch went to check his condition and gently nudged him awake. The officer's phone and handgun had fallen nearby during the crash.
The officer suddenly lunged at Jirawatch, throwing a punch that narrowly missed his face. He then frantically searched for something, spotted his gun, and drew it from its holster. He cocked the weapon, aimed it at Jirawatch and the other rescue workers, and fired. Miraculously, the bullet missed. When he attempted to fire again, Jirawatch jumped over him and fled with his team and bystanders scattering in different directions.
Jirawatch ran to the rescue vehicle, drove approximately 400 meters to regroup his team, and called the duty officer to report the incident and the officer's location. Police were dispatched to the scene, confiscated the weapon, and conducted a preliminary interrogation. The officer claimed he had misunderstood the situation and mistaken Jirawatch's identity.
Jirawatch expressed his shock and fear, stating: "In all my years as a volunteer, I've only ever received thanks. To encounter something like this is truly terrifying. I've dedicated half my life to helping people and have assisted countless individuals while following proper procedures. Is this what I get?" The subdistrict administration is considering whether to file criminal charges against the officer.
