Violence on Sukhumvit: Heir Loses Control over Red Light
Bangkok’s elite were left reeling this week. Thanat Thanakitamnuay, 33, heir to a famed property empire, lashed out in rage. The cause? His driver would not run a red light.
The shocking incident happened on July 5. Thanat’s driver, Chalongchai, 43, simply stopped at a traffic signal on Sukhumvit Road. What followed left witnesses stunned.
Driver Injured, Family Threatened
Police reports reveal the chaos. Thanat angrily struck out, hitting Chalongchai. The 43-year-old driver suffered injuries and feared for his safety.
‘He threatened my family,’ Chalongchai told officers. Terrified, Chalongchai fled to a local hotel. Meanwhile, Thanat allegedly escaped with his driver’s personal belongings.
Court Steps In After Suspect Vanishes
Authorities tried summoning Thanat several times. Each call went ignored. The Pattaya Provincial Court issued a warrant for his arrest.
Finally, once he learned of the warrant, Thanat surrendered—alongside his lawyer. The lawyer, speaking outside the station, said the driver got a partial payout: 65,000 Baht.
Earlier Run-Ins with Police
This isn’t Thanat’s first brush with the law. The millionaire’s son previously faced serious allegations. A woman once accused him of assault in his Bangkok home.
Police then found guns, ammunition, and drugs in a raid. Back then, Thanat got bail. Now, legal experts warn his track record could trigger a much tougher response.
Will Money and Name Shield Him Again?
The authorities are combing through past and present cases. ‘Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties,’ warn lawyers.
Public anger is growing. Many wonder—will justice be served, or will this powerful family find a way out yet again?