What began as a routine evening on the Det Udom–Buntharik road in Ubon Ratchathani turned into a grim tableau on November 22 when a stolen pickup ploughed into a motorcycle, dragged it for dozens of metres, and left one woman dead and another fighting for her life. The overturned vehicle — a black Toyota Vigo bearing registration Boh Jor 9448 — came to rest against a utility pole and toppled into a nearby flower shop, leaving smashed blooms, broken glass and a community reeling.
At the centre of the chaos was a pink Honda motorbike, registration 2 Gor Dor 6080, which police say was struck from behind. The two people on board were 59‑year‑old Kongsri and her 27‑year‑old daughter, Saowaluk. Kongsri died later at the district hospital; Saowaluk was critically injured and rushed to Sappasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani.
Police arrested the driver at the scene: 18‑year‑old Sukasem Srimongkol. What investigators quickly uncovered was a story that read less like a traffic report and more like a cautionary tale about poverty, potential, and the destructive pull of drugs.
According to investigators, the black Vigo had been taken from a repair shop in Buntharik district the day before, on November 21. CCTV footage identified Sukasem — a former employee of the garage — as the person who drove off with the truck. Police later searched his home but did not immediately find him.
The breakthrough came the following morning when patrol officers spotted Sukasem behind the wheel of the stolen pickup. A pursuit ensued, and officers say the vehicle’s tyre burst, the driver lost control, and the truck slammed into the motorcycle. Authorities estimate the pickup dragged the mangled bike for roughly 50 metres before colliding with a light pole and flipping into the flower stall, damaging property and ending the chase in a horrific crash.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic, frightening sequence. Twenty‑three‑year‑old flower shop owner Inthira Malasai told police she had seen the police chase and then heard what she thought were gunshots — or a tyre explosively bursting — followed by a loud crash. “I was on the other side of the road,” she said. “If I’d been closer, it could have been worse.” Fortunately, Inthira escaped unharmed, but her shop suffered damage that will be a painful reminder of the day.
At the time of his arrest, officers reported that Sukasem acted erratically and appeared to be under the influence. A drug test confirmed what police suspected: he had used methamphetamine, a class‑one drug in Thailand. He was detained to calm him down and later admitted to the charges laid against him, which include reckless driving causing death and property damage, and illegal drug use. The theft charge — for taking the vehicle from Buntharik’s repair shop — will be handled by the Huai Kha Buntharik police, who are preparing to file for a formal arrest warrant to continue that portion of the investigation.
The human angle of the story only deepens the tragedy. Sukasem’s mother, 54‑year‑old La‑ongdao, visited the station in obvious distress. She told reporters she was unaware of her son’s drug use and was stunned by the news. La‑ongdao, who is battling cancer, had depended on her son as the family’s only income earner. In a chilling moment described by police, Sukasem appeared detached during their meeting, reportedly saying, “I won’t die easily.” The comment hinted at a grim emotional distance that has left relatives stunned.
Those who knew Sukasem at his former workplace painted a portrait of promise turned to heartbreak. Sukanya, 38, who owns the repair shop where the truck was stolen, said the teenager had once been a star: “He was a top student. He even won a national science gold medal,” she recalled. Financial hardship and his mother’s illness had pushed the family into strain, and Sukasem’s early promise seemed to fray under the pressure. Sukanya said he fell in with the wrong crowd, began using drugs and eventually abandoned his job before committing the theft that precipitated the crash.
Local police have confirmed Sukasem confessed to the charges they presented. For the victims’ families, the confession is a small — and cold — consolation in the face of a life lost and another forever altered. For his mother, it is a personal catastrophe layered on top of ongoing health struggles. For the community, it is a stark reminder of how quickly things can spiral when addiction, desperation and a moment’s poor judgment collide.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the timeline and will work with Huai Kha Buntharik police on the theft prosecution. In the meantime, flowers that once brightened the street now lie wilted among crushed petals and twisted metal — a visual echo of the day’s sorrow.
This account is based on reporting from KhaoSod and statements from local authorities and witnesses. Police urge anyone with additional footage or information about the vehicle theft or the moments leading up to the crash to come forward as inquiries continue.
This is awful on so many levels. An 18-year-old, drugs, a stolen truck and two women on a motorbike — what a tragedy. The police chase felt like a script for disaster.
Chasing a suspect at high speed should have safeguards, but letting a drugged teen get away with stealing a vehicle is also on someone. Who’s making these split-second choices? Both policy and social support failed here.
Agreed, Larry. There should be clearer rules for pursuits and more investment in rehab so kids don’t spiral. But victims still pay the price right now.
Nah, cops chase suspects all the time and sometimes it’s the only way to stop them. If he stole a truck, police were justified to pursue.
I keep thinking about the mother with cancer who depended on him. Poverty twists choices and addiction exploits vulnerability. That heartbreaking sentence that he said, ‘I won’t die easily,’ chills me.
As someone who studies social determinants of health, this is a textbook intersection of economic strain, poor mental health resources, and substance availability. Rehab and early intervention programs could have made a difference.
Thanks for the context, Dr. Patel. It feels like prevention was missing at every step.
But how realistic is large-scale intervention in rural Thailand? Programs need funding and cultural tailoring, not just Western models.
How can someone drag a bike 50 metres? That’s horrifying. The family of the dead woman deserves answers and justice.
I want to know if officers considered spike strips or maneuvers to avoid endangering civilians. Chases should not create more victims.
Exactly. A policy update is overdue. Too many innocent people get hurt.
He was a national science winner once and look at him now. Talent wasted by drugs and hardship. This story makes me angry at how society abandons kids.
Not all talent comes with safety nets. Prize or no prize, economic pressure can derail anyone. It isn’t just personal failure.
True, but accountability still matters. He didn’t just fail himself.
Someone should sue the repair shop for negligence if they left keys or an unlocked truck. Also police need better chase protocols. This could have been avoided.
As a small business owner, stolen vehicles hurt me too, but blaming the repair shop is simplistic. Criminal choices are on the thief, not the victimized business.
I understand that, but there are responsibility layers. Proper security could reduce such thefts.
Security costs money. Many small shops can’t afford fences and alarms. This is a broader structural problem.
Why do we keep criminalizing drug users rather than treating addiction as health care? Locking him up won’t heal the families or prevent future tragedies.
In an ideal world, rehab is great, but when a suspect commits theft and causes death, enforcement is necessary. Balance is needed between care and justice.
Balance, yes, but current systems in many places lean too harshly. We need diversion programs for addicts before things escalate.
This story will spark debates about police chases here. Local context matters: roads, traffic, and enforcement differ from big cities. Policy can’t be copy-pasted.
Context matters indeed. Rural policing practices and resources shape outcomes. Training, community policing, and better emergency medical access are vital.
Glad to see experts weighing in. Locals often know the danger spots but lack the leverage to change policy.
I am so sad for the flower shop owner. Flowers destroyed are symbolic but also a small business loss. The community’s trauma will linger.
I own the shop in the article and I can confirm it’s painful. The stall was damaged and I still hear the crash in my head. Thank you for caring.
Inthira, I’m sorry. I hope the community helps you rebuild.
Small businesses shouldn’t have to carry such losses alone. Maybe a fundraiser could help rebuild.
He said he won’t die easily and then he harmed others — what does that even mean? Sounds like someone detached from reality. It’s scary.
That phrase could hint at numbing or bravado after trauma or drug use. Not an excuse, but a sign of severe mental distress that should be assessed.
Makes sense. People should watch for warning signs in friends.
Too many people immediately call for sympathy for thieves. If you steal and drive dangerously, you accept the risk of arrest and consequences. Where’s the accountability?
Accountability and sympathy aren’t mutually exclusive. We can pursue justice and still address root causes like addiction and poverty.
I get that, but justice has to come first when lives are lost.
The CCTV angle is interesting. Digital evidence is saving investigations but also raises privacy debates. Still, footage is crucial for accountability.
I’m wary of mass surveillance, but targeted use of CCTV in criminal cases does help. There must be safeguards against misuse.
Agreed. Balance surveillance with civil liberties, but in this case the footage led to an arrest.
I teach kids and I wonder how many bright students like Sukasem fall through the cracks because of family hardship. Schools need counseling and community ties.
Schools can do only so much without systemic support. Social services need proper funding for at-risk families.
True, but teachers seeing changes early could be the first line of defense if supported.
I live nearby and the roads there are narrow. A pursuit was always going to be risky. Why weren’t alternative tactics used? This needs an inquiry.
Exactly my point earlier. An independent review of the chase decision-making could clarify if rules were followed or ignored.
Yes, transparency builds trust. The victims’ families deserve answers.
I knew him from the shop and I feel betrayed and sad. He had potential and I tried to help, but addiction is cunning and fast.
Your perspective is painful to hear. Stories like yours show how communities try to help but need more support to be effective.
Thank you. I’m hoping the family gets support now too.
Insurance should cover the flower shop and bikes, but no policy can replace life. Legal consequences must be swift so there’s closure for the victims.
Legal closure helps, but courts must consider addiction treatment options in sentencing. Rehabilitation plus punishment can reduce recidivism.
Balance again. Victims often want punishment, but smart policy reduces future victims.
I am just a kid and this scares me. Why do people take drugs and cars? My grandma says it’s about choices, but it looks more complicated.
Your grandma is partly right; choices matter but so do circumstances. Teach kids empathy and resilience so they don’t follow the same path.
I will. I don’t want anyone to get hurt like that.
Reports mention methamphetamine specifically. Supply reduction, community education, and rehabilitation must be priorities to prevent repeats. It’s a public health emergency too.
Supply reduction helps, but demand reduction through education and job programs is equally crucial. Otherwise dealers adapt.
Spot on. Economic alternatives for youth are prevention in practice.
I rarely comment, but this made me write. The image of crushed flowers is haunting and will remain in the community’s memory. Small tragedies ripple outwards.