A 20-year-old man was driving with a friend when he suddenly crashed violently into a traffic police officer at a checkpoint on Bangna-Trad Road, sustaining serious injuries. He claimed he did not see the officer. A search of the vehicle revealed a gun and ammunition.
At 01:10 on 22 May 2026, Police Lieutenant Thanon Phiromchitcharoen, Deputy Superintendent (Traffic) of Bangna Police Station, along with traffic officers, were conducting an alcohol checkpoint on the outbound Bangna-Trad Road at kilometer 1 on the service lane in Bang Na Nuea subdistrict, Bang Na district, Bangkok. A white Mitsubishi Xpander with Ubon Ratchathani license plates turned left from Sukhumvit Road. Upon reaching the checkpoint, Lieutenant Thanon signaled the vehicle to stop for inspection, but it failed to stop and instead struck him, causing him to fall and sustain serious injuries. Rescue workers rushed him to Thainakarin Hospital.
The same vehicle then collided with a shield-marked motorcycle, license plate 68206, and a green-yellow Toyota Altis taxi, license plate 1 มค 3910 Bangkok, both parked at the checkpoint, causing damage. Officers blocked the vehicle's path with a pickup truck, preventing further movement, which led the occupants to surrender.
Initial investigation identified the driver as Mr. Thanabat, 20, and the passenger as Mr. Akkharawin, 20. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol with 24 rounds of ammunition hidden in the spare tire compartment. Alcohol and drug tests on the suspects were negative.
During questioning, Mr. Thanabat claimed he did not see the police officer and stated he did not know who owned the gun found in the vehicle. He was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm and ammunition into a public place without cause, and reckless conduct causing serious bodily injury to another.
Mr. Akkharawin was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and ammunition and carrying them into a public place without cause. He was informed of his rights. The suspects and evidence were then forwarded to investigators for legal proceedings.
Police Colonel Surapong Sukyaem, Chief of Bangna Police Station, said that according to medical staff treating Lieutenant Thanon, he remains in a coma with brain swelling, widespread bleeding, a fractured cervical vertebra, and multiple wounds on his torso, arms, and legs. The suspects gave inconsistent statements but denied alcohol or drug use, claiming only that they did not see the police officer. Further detailed interrogation is scheduled for the afternoon.