Timber! Police chase ends in close call on Ping River bridge

A dramatic police chase unfolded when a man driving a pickup truck loaded with illegal timber attempted to evade a checkpoint, ending in a near-tragic collision on a bridge over the Ping River.

The pursuit began yesterday, November 21 at 6.20pm when police in Tak province, led by Sitthichai Yimyuan, coordinated with rescue units to intercept a white Toyota truck with Chiang Mai license plates after it sped away from a checkpoint in Wang Chao district.

The officers pursued the vehicle along Phahonyothin Road until it reached the Kittikhajorn Bridge in Mueang Tak district. At this point, the truck collided with a trailer truck, sending it careening into a civilian’s car and then into the concrete barrier of the bridge. The impact nearly sent the vehicle plunging 15 metres into the Ping River below.

Witnesses reported that the driver quickly crawled out of the vehicle, only to be apprehended by police.

This driver was identified as 20 year old Kasempong. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to contain 12 planks of illegally processed timber, each measuring 40 to 50 inches in width, 5 to 6 inches in thickness, and over four metres in length.

In questioning, Kasempong admitted to transporting the illegal timber from Na Bot subdistrict, Wang Chao district, Tak province. He intended to deliver it to the north for furniture production. However, when confronted by police at the checkpoint, he attempted to flee, resulting in the chase and subsequent accident, which brought his escape to an abrupt halt, reported KhaoSod.

Police are now cooperating with forestry officials to examine the confiscated timber and are conducting further investigations to uncover any additional illegal activities connected to this case. The suspect will face legal proceedings as the investigation continues.