The Royal Thai Police Chief has ordered a prompt and clear resolution of the case involving Mika Salo, former F1 driver, who was grazed by a motorcycle and required 28 stitches. Recently, the F1 legend told police the incident was an accident, reaffirmed that Thailand is safe, and expressed a desire to explain the facts of what happened.
According to foreign news agencies, Mika Salo, former Finnish Formula 1 driver, was reportedly assaulted with a sharp object on his leg, believed to be a random attack, while traveling in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok on 19 May 2026. The incident attracted significant attention from the media and international news outlets.
On 26 May 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the office, stated that Police Commissioner General Kittirat Phanpetch is deeply concerned about tourist safety and Thailand's tourism image. He has urgently ordered the Metropolitan Police to coordinate investigative units to verify facts on site and swiftly apprehend the perpetrator to build confidence among foreign tourists.
The Royal Thai Police spokesperson further reported that preliminary investigations by the Metropolitan Police revealed the following details.
The incident occurred on 19 May 2026 at approximately 11:00 p.m. The victim was walking from Sukhumvit Soi 6, passing the mouth of Sukhumvit Soi 4, and crossing the pedestrian crosswalk heading toward Nana intersection.
The victim then felt a motorcycle brush against him but was initially unaware of any injury until a bystander noticed bleeding from his leg. He received treatment at Bumrungrad Hospital, where 28 stitches were required. At this stage, the victim had not yet filed a police complaint.
Additional reports from hotel staff indicated other tourists experienced similar incidents. Police have mobilized investigative teams to review CCTV footage along the route to identify the driver and verify details thoroughly.
The Royal Thai Police emphasize the highest priority is ensuring tourist safety. Police Commissioner General Kittirat Phanpetch has instructed the Metropolitan Police to strengthen patrols in high-risk areas and accelerate the case's resolution to reassure the public and international visitors that Thailand remains a safe travel destination. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Subsequently, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan visited Mika Salo, the 59-year-old former F1 racing legend, who was injured in the widely reported incident. Mr. Salo came to the Police General Hospital for wound examination before proceeding to give a statement at Lumphini Police Station.
Mika Salo stated the event was an accident; he only realized he was injured afterward. He thanked the police for their care and assistance. He came to Thailand for the sunshine, rest, and to warm up, and he plans to return to the country again.
Regarding safety, Mika Salo said he felt warmly welcomed and was surprised by the police presence, having seen the news coverage. He wishes to clarify the true facts of the incident.