Korean Man with Swedish Nationality Faces Charges After 100-Kilometre Police Chase Ends in Fiery Crash
Chonburi, Thailand – A 29-year-old Korean man holding Swedish nationality faces theft and property damage charges following a dramatic incident on January 1 that involved a 100-kilometre police chase, a fiery crash, and multiple vehicle damages.
The incident began at 8:06 p.m. on the Lat Krabang Motorway when the suspect allegedly assaulted a woman. Jalome Sae Jang, 49, and his wife, who witnessed the assault, intervened, prompting the suspect to seize their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck and flee.
Police Chase and Crash
The suspect reportedly used a wooden stick to attack other vehicles along the motorway near kilometre marker 24, damaging several cars. Police were alerted and began pursuing the stolen pickup, which the suspect drove at high speed.
The chase ended on Highway 36 in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, when a tyre burst caused the suspect to lose control and crash into a guardrail. The pickup overturned and caught fire in the wheel area. Rescue teams extinguished the blaze and found the vehicle heavily damaged, with debris scattered across the road.
The driver, disoriented and injured, crawled from the wreckage and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
Investigation and Charges
Victims identified the suspect at the scene, and cash was found in a plastic bag inside the stolen vehicle. Authorities also linked him to earlier crimes, including the theft of a motorcycle and the damage of four other cars.
The suspect denied all accusations during questioning at Bang Sao Thong Police Station in Samut Prakan province. Tourist Police, along with an interpreter, interrogated him further but reported that he refused to cooperate or provide a statement.
Authorities have gathered video clips, photographs, and other evidence as part of their case. The suspect faces charges of nighttime theft and property damage and will appear before the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on Friday, January 3, for further legal proceedings.
Police continue to investigate the incident and are working to ensure justice for the victims.
