Chonburi: A dramatic chase ensued as a drunk driver in a passenger van rammed through a checkpoint, crashing into police cars, an ambulance, and several civilian vehicles, causing extensive damage. Unable to escape, he hid in a drainage ditch before finally being cornered.

According to Thai News Agency, rescue workers pursued a van that attempted to evade a checkpoint until it veered off the road and crashed into a drainage canal in Don Hua Lo Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. Police apprehended the driver, later identified as Mr. Sunet, who appeared intoxicated, as he crawled into a drainage pipe to escape. Nearby, the van, a Chonburi-Sattahip route with a yellow license plate, was found severely damaged all over its front and body. Several other vehicles, including a patrol car, rescue vehicle, and civilian cars, were also damaged in the collision.

According to volunteers from Tri Kunnatham Rescue Foundation, they received a police radio report of a van breaking through a checkpoint. They observed the area and pursued the van in their car with flashing lights. At the Chalerm Thai intersection, the van rear-ended and sideswiped their rescue vehicle before driving into the Amata City Industrial Estate. It reached a dead end, lost control, and plunged into a canal.

Initially, police conducted an alcohol test on the van driver and had a doctor check his blood for drugs so that legal procedures could be followed accordingly.