Adam Judd, chief of content at The Pattaya News, was nearby when the crash occurred and witnessed the aftermath. Ironically, the incident unfolded just a few dozen feet from a police checkpoint.
Upon arriving, authorities found a heavily damaged blue-and-yellow taxi that had collided with a utility pole. To their surprise, the driver was a foreign man, aged 25 to 35, who was reportedly intoxicated and wearing only boxer shorts. He admitted to being drunk and smoking cannabis. Fortunately, he sustained only minor injuries.
Mr. Saranyut Panprasong, 37, the taxi’s owner, explained that he had left the vehicle running while inside a convenience store. He noticed the foreigner entering the taxi and speeding off but the suspect crashed shortly after. Due to the proximity of the police checkpoint, officers quickly arrested the man.
The tourist, whose identity has been withheld, is being held at Pattaya Police Station, where he faces legal action once he sobers up. He is also expected to cover the costs of the damages. Authorities plan to test him for harder drugs, as cannabis is often blamed in such incidents to avoid more severe charges associated with substances like methamphetamine.
TPN
