PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 37‑year‑old driver under the influence of drugs led police on a high‑speed pursuit through central Pattaya before being captured in a busy tourist street.
Police patrol turns into full-scale chase
The incident occurred at 8:49 p.m. on October 29, when officers from the Banglamung District Administration were patrolling Chaloem Phrakiat Road (Pattaya Third Road) to ensure tourist safety. They noticed a black Toyota swerving erratically through traffic. When officers signalled for the car to stop, the driver suddenly accelerated, prompting a joint response from the Pattaya City Police and traffic units.
The pursuit quickly escalated into a coordinated operation across the city centre as reinforcements worked to contain the vehicle and protect bystanders in one of Thailand’s most visited coastal resorts.
Tourists flee as car speeds through Soi 8
The chase continued into Soi 8, a narrow lane off Central Pattaya Beach Road famous for its bars, restaurants and budget hotels. The street was crowded with evening tourists when the speeding Toyota struck a local motorcycle sidecar. The noise triggered panic as pedestrians scattered for safety. Many witnesses filmed the dramatic moments on their phones while police closed in.
According to officials, the risk to the public at that point was extremely high, with multiple officers coordinating to divert traffic and block exit routes.
Motorcycle barricade ends the pursuit
Police eventually stopped the fleeing car by using motorcycles as mobile barriers, bringing the vehicle to a halt in front of startled onlookers. The driver, identified as Songsak Mak‑in, also known by his nickname “Sek,” was arrested at the scene without serious injury.
He reportedly admitted to being under the influence of drugs and told officers he had panicked when they signalled him to stop.
“I DIDN’T WANT TO HURT ANYONE – I JUST GOT SCARED,”
he explained during questioning, according to the police report.
Drug test confirms intoxication
A quick search of the vehicle uncovered no illegal substances, but officers found over 5,000 baht in cash. At the Pattaya City police station, a urine test later confirmed drug use.
Natthawat Sophonswetsilp, deputy chief of Banglamung District, said the driver’s erratic behaviour had justified the attempted traffic stop.
“OUR PRIMARY CONCERN IS PUBLIC SAFETY, ESPECIALLY IN TOURISM AREAS,”
he stated.
Serious charges and broader concerns
Songsak Mak‑in now faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving endangering others, both of which carry heavy fines and potential prison terms. He has been handed over to investigators to begin legal proceedings.
Authorities stressed that the case underscores Thailand’s tougher stance on drug‑related offences in traffic, particularly in tourist hotspots such as Pattaya, where safety operations remain a priority.
Officials reiterated that high‑visibility patrols and rapid‑response coordination between administrative and police forces will continue to protect visitors and residents across the region.
• Incident time: 20:49 hrs, 29 October
• Location: Soi 8, Central Pattaya Beach Road
• Suspect: Songsak Mak‑in (37)
• Confirmed substance use: positive urine test
• Charges: driving under drug influence, reckless endangerment
The chase, though brief, highlighted not only the responsiveness of local law enforcement but also the ongoing challenge Thai authorities face in balancing nightlife vibrancy with public safety in one of Asia’s most popular beach cities.