Man surrenders to police after car horn altercation in Chiang Mai

A heated altercation over a car horn incident led to a man turning himself in to the police, revealing that his wife was upset and had not allowed him to sleep at home. The young man involved demanded 10,000 baht for the fright he experienced, stating that if he had lost his temper that day, it could have led to severe consequences.

A Facebook user from Chiang Mai posted photos and a video showing a man getting out of his vehicle to confront an older man driving a pickup truck. The older man, who appeared intoxicated, brandished a long knife and challenged, “Do you want to fight?” The incident occurred at a traffic light near Sam Yaek San Sai Market, San Sai District, around 11.25pm on August 3.

Yesterday, August 6, 50 year old Mee, the irate pickup driver, surrendered to the San Sai Police with the knife used in the incident.

Mee explained that he had been driving home from selling goods at the Night Bazaar and became frustrated with the other driver, who had been hogging the right lane and driving slowly. This led to Mee cutting in front and stopping.

Mee admitted to losing his temper but noted that he saw the other driver was a large young man, prompting him to take the knife with him. He asked the young man if there was an issue, to which the young man replied there was none.

Both parties then left without further incident. After seeing the viral clip on social media and the news, Mee decided to turn himself in and apologize to both the young man and the public.

Road rage

Mee promised that this would not happen again, as his family was very upset, and his wife had not allowed him to sleep at home. Ae, a 26 year old man, the other driver, also went to the San Sai Police Station after investigators called both parties for mediation.

During their confrontation, Ae asked Mee if he had indeed been driving in the right lane the entire time, presenting evidence to support his claim. As tensions rose, investigators mediated to ensure a peaceful discussion since no one was injured, and no vehicles were damaged.

Ae expressed his desire for Mee to compensate him 10,000 baht (US$280) for the fright and asked that the relevant police revoke Mee’s driving license. Ae noted that many people had commented on the viral clip, mentioning that Mee had acted similarly in previous incidents, although no one had filed a complaint.

Ae wanted this case to serve as an example to prevent Mee from repeating his actions with others, emphasising that if he had also lost his temper that day, it could have resulted in a significant loss, reported KhaoSod.

After taking statements, investigators charged Mee with causing fear or distress through threats and carrying a weapon (knife) openly in public without a valid reason. The case will now be forwarded to the Chiang Mai Provincial Court for further proceedings.