Drunk driver in Ayutthaya leads police on high-speed chase

A man driving a red four-door pickup truck with blaring loudspeakers along Phahonyothin Road in Ayutthaya attempted to evade police, resulting in a high-speed chase. He was eventually apprehended and found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 234 milligrammes percent.

Ayutthaya Police received reports from concerned citizens about a red pickup truck driving erratically and playing loud music on Phahonyothin Road, heading out of the city. Responding to the reports, highway patrol officers dispatched units to investigate the situation.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers spotted the red pickup truck with a full audio system installed in the back, blasting music at high volume. The vehicle was seen swerving across lanes, prompting the officers to signal for the driver to pull over. However, as soon as the police activated their lights and sirens, the driver accelerated, attempting to flee.

The chase ensued with the red pickup weaving through traffic, causing other drivers to swerve in alarm. The police pursued the vehicle, coordinating with other units via radio to apprehend the suspect. The chase continued until reaching kilometre 49 on Phahonyothin Road in Chiang Rak Noi, Bang Pa-in District, where officers finally managed to stop the vehicle.

The driver, identified as 38 year old Mongkol, was immediately questioned by the police. Officers noted a strong smell of alcohol emanating from him and took him into custody for further investigation at the Highway Police Station 1, Division 1, under the Highway Police Command. A breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 234 milligrams per cent.

During questioning, Mongkol admitted to driving from Nonthaburi and consuming alcohol before setting out to run errands in Ayutthaya. He confessed that he attempted to speed away upon seeing the police because he feared being subjected to an alcohol test, reported KhaoSod.

Mongkol acknowledged his mistake.

“I want to warn my friends who drink. If you drink, don’t drive. Better to stay at home and be safe. Driving under the influence can endanger others and is against the law.”

The highway patrol officers have since handed Mongkol over to investigators at Phra In Racha Police Station. He faces multiple charges, including driving without regard for the safety or inconvenience of others, disobeying lawful police orders, and driving with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit.