Late-Night Crash Sparks Manhunt in Chonburi
Chonburi was left shaken on 22 September 2025 after a runaway driver sparked a fierce police hunt.
The driver, still on the run, vanished into the night after slamming a black Isuzu D-Max into another vehicle, then ditching his battered pickup in a cassava field.
Police say the crash took place at 9:36pm, near the Tham Pratun Temple on Chaipornwithee Road. Witnesses watched as brake lights lit up the darkness and one vehicle shot off at terrifying speed.
Victim Left Stunned
Uaychai Thapthim, 44, an Fruit Seller from Bo Win Market, was in the bronze Ford Ranger that was hit.
He described the moment, saying, ‘I was just heading home from the market when the Isuzu lost control and ploughed into me.’ Quick reflexes helped him avoid worse injuries, but the other driver didn’t stop.
The Isuzu’s damaged right front wheel left a trail of sparks as it fled. Footage shows other motorists veering out of the way to avoid a second disaster.
Abandoned Pickup Raises Suspicions
After a wild chase, the mystery driver abandoned the Isuzu more than three kilometres from the crash site.
Police now have the black pickup as evidence and are taking a close look at its battered frame, hoping for clues.
Policeman Yuttana Phosidi, the 42-year-old lieutenant at Huay Yai Police Station, is leading the search. He urged the public to help: ‘Anyone who saw anything must come forward.’
Was the Crash Just the Beginning?
Why did the driver flee? Simple fear of prosecution, or hiding something more?
Locals are left uneasy by the hit-and-run’s intensity. Some fear the man behind the wheel may have had darker reasons—uninsured, drunk, or worse.
Fleeing after accidents is sadly nothing new in Thailand. Suspects often hope to dodge jail time or avoid being caught drink-driving.
Police Facing Pressure to Find Answers
Community anger is building. Residents demand answers and want the person brought to justice.
With CCTV and forensic teams combing through clues, officers hope Chonburi’s worried streets will soon see resolution.
The runaway driver could be local—or he may have come from farther away. One thing’s for sure: police and locals are watching, waiting, and hoping for a breakthrough.