Failed motorbike ram attempt wins policeman B10k reward for bravery

PHUKET: A patrol policeman who broke his collar bone while ramming bag-snatchers with his motorbike in an attempt to stop their getaway was rewarded with 10,000 baht yesterday morning for his bravery.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Ong-art Phiwruangnont issued the bonus on hearing how Sgt Songwut Noosuk of the Phuket City Police attempted to apprehend the perpetrators on Saturday afternoon.

“Sgt Songwut was riding his motorbike when he saw the bag-snatch taking place. He tried to stop the two men by slamming into them,” Wichit Police Superintendent Chaowalit Petchsripia explained.

“Unfortunately, Sgt Songwut fell off his bike and the two men rode off,” he added.

The two men took flight with the bag belonging to 27-year-old Russian tourist Kazmina Marcarita, who was caught walking from the Big C supercenter to Central Festival Phuket on bypass road.

“In her bag were US$300 dollars [about 9,300 baht], 3,000 baht cash and some documents,” Col Chaowalit reported.

“Sgt Songwut called in the bag-snatch and told us to try to block the two men. We failed to stop them, but we later learned they both live in a rented house in Baan Pru Somparn in Thalang,” he said.

Officers arrested Piyachai Chaisriha, 20, and Pongsathorn Thawaichuea, 19, at 10am on Sunday.

Commander Ong-art also issued a 20,000-baht reward to the Wichit Police team who arrested the two men.

Sgt Songwut continued his recovery yesterday at Phuket International Hospital.

Among visitors wishing him a speedy recovery were Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Arayapan Pukbuakao, Phuket City Police Superintendent Sermphan Sirikong and Wichit Police Superintendent Chaowalit.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong