Road clash in Nonthaburi escalates with sword-wielding driver

A heated road altercation between two men in Nonthaburi, Thailand recently escalated, capturing considerable public attention. The incident, which unfolded yesterday, November 3, around 2pm at a U-turn near the MRT intersection in Nonthaburi 1, was widely discussed online after images of the confrontation surfaced.

Involved were 50 year old Jirayut, a car driver, and 54 year old Saichon, a motorbike taxi driver.

Jirayut presented his side of the story during an interview at the hospital. He revealed the sword he held during the incident, emphasising that the sheath had no tear marks and the blade bore no bloodstains.

Jirayut insisted that he never unsheathed the sword, only holding it to ward off Saichon, whom he described as a physically larger man approaching him aggressively. Jirayut pointed out the injuries on his face and body, including a cut on his lip.

Recounting the events leading to the confrontation, Jirayut stated that he was on his way to drop off his mother and nephew at a nearby village. As he attempted to drive onto the overpass, a motorcycle came up on his left. He noticed something, possibly a helmet, fly off the bike but paid it no mind and continued driving.

Later, as he descended the overpass, the motorbike pulled alongside his car again. Saichon reportedly looked at him strangely, and Jirayut’s partner mentioned that Saichon appeared to kick their vehicle.

Confused and concerned

Upon reaching the bottom of the overpass, Saichon allegedly cut in front of Jirayut’s car, stopped and exchanged heated words. Confused and concerned for his elderly mother and young daughter in the car, Jirayut said he grabbed the sword from the vehicle to deter Saichon, who was persistently advancing towards him.

Despite Jirayut’s attempts to defuse the situation, Saichon reportedly provoked him. Jirayut, trying to maintain distance, was unexpectedly punched in the face, causing him to fall. He recalled hearing his partner urging someone to call the police as bystanders stepped in to separate them.

Following the incident, Jirayut sought medical attention, where doctors informed him of a fractured shoulder bone, a broken facial bone, and nasal cavity bleeding. Fortunately, CT scans showed no brain haemorrhage. Jirayut expressed uncertainty about requiring surgery, pending further medical analysis.

Jirayut emphasised, explaining that he was simply following his route to drop off his mother and pick up his father in Ratchaburi.

“I don’t know him. I’ve never met him before this. I didn’t honk at him or do anything to provoke him.”

The case has been reported to Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi. The police will examine the weapon and medical evidence as part of their investigation. Jirayut remains under medical observation, awaiting further evaluation of his injuries and potential surgery, reported KhaoSod.