Thai pickup driver assaults university student over roundabout dispute
A Thai pickup driver physically assaulted a university student in the northern province of Chiang Rai because the student stopped his motorcycle to allow vehicles in the roundabout to pass first.
The university student, Pattanasak Sanya, shared details of the incident on his Facebook page yesterday. He began his account by stating that he was in the right.
“I stopped to let vehicles in the roundabout pass according to the law but ended up being attacked.”
Pattanasak explained that the pickup driver was angry that he let other vehicles go first and he honked at Pattanasak and revved his engine in anger. Pattanasak and his girlfriend turned around and informed the pickup driver.
“Let the vehicles in the roundabout go first.”
Pattanasak said the pickup driver then lowered his window and verbally abused him and his girlfriend with vulgar language and To avoid escalating the conflict, Pattanasak decided to ride away.
However, the pickup driver pursued them, driving dangerously close to their motorcycle, seemingly attempting to cause a crash. The pickup eventually cut in front of the motorcycle, forcing them to stop and the driver then exited his vehicle and physically assaulted Pattanasak.
According to Pattanasak, he sustained injuries, including cuts to his mouth and eyebrow, and his glasses were broken. The attacker also accused him of being disrespectful, citing the age difference between them.
Pattanasak and his girlfriend filed a complaint against the pickup driver at Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station.
The attacker reportedly turned himself in later that day. He admitted to assaulting Pattanasak but claimed that the student used vulgar language towards him first. The man declined to give an interview to news agencies, stating he was not ready.
The pickup was transferred to the provincial land transport office, as several parts of the vehicle were found to be illegally modified.
Police are expected to charge the pickup driver after the results of Pattanasak’s medical examination are released.
The pickup driver may face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both, for violating Section 295 of the Criminal Code: physically assaulting another person.
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