In a tumultuous and pulse-pounding encounter yesterday, a suspected drug kingpin was intercepted by the police after a daring pursuit in Nonthaburi. It all unfolded on a typically mundane Tuesday evening on June 10, with the sun setting as officers from Rattanathibet Police Station received an electric report of a police shooting. What they faced was nothing short of a crime thriller scenario near a factory in Soi Wat Chomphuwek, nestled in the Tha Sai subdistrict of Mueang district, a place known more for its serene ambiance than high-octane chases.
Leading the charge were Police Colonel Nakharin Panan and Police Sergeant Nattawat Ketkaew from the crime prevention unit of Mueang Nonthaburi. They heroically found the suspect, a 34-year-old named Rattawat “Ae” Saimai, writhing in pain with gunshot wounds to both arms. A knife lay discarded on the gritty ground beside him, along with a black bag and plastic packets teeming with narcotics, including “ice” and methamphetamine— a damning vault of evidence.
Everything began as a seemingly routine patrol—just another day at the office for Pol. Sgt. Nattawat, who’s known for his keen eye. While meandering from Khae Rai Intersection down Tiwanon Road, his gaze flicked to a suspicious motorcycle. Although it temporarily vanished from his sight near Sanambinnam Junction, Nattawat was nothing if not tenacious, doubling back through a bypass road to the heart of Mueang Nonthaburi. It was here, by the ghostly glow of a red light near a fuel depot, that he saw Rattawat, casting an even shadier impression.
Acting swiftly as any tower-leaping action hero, Nattawat and his partner flicked on their shrill sirens, signaling Rattawat to halt. Instead of cooperating, the suspect veered abruptly into Wat Chomphuwek, a setting more suited to an ancient temple visit than a high-speed chase. The situation escalated with the drama of a blockbuster as Rattawat hit a formidable speed bump, careening off his motorcycle in a spectacular fall.
Undeterred, Rattawat showed a resilience worthy of a villain in any cat-and-mouse adventure, scrambling to his feet and sprinting into an abandoned area. His panicked flight saw him jettison a bag of drugs and a shoulder bag—an epic failure in any criminal’s playbook. Realizing they had pursued him to a corner, he turned with a knife as if to play his final card. But Nattawat, with a coolness belying the tension, drew his firearm, demanding he surrender the blade.
Ignoring the firm yet peaceful command, Rattawat lunged once more, forcing Nattawat to shoot, his aim true, disarming the suspect without fatality. In a later interview with KhaoSod, Pol. Col. Nakharin attributed their safe outcome to more than just expertise; there was a nod to destiny at play, attributing a blessed amulet and a peculiar charm—a tooth from his own mother—for their smoothed fortunes.
As the dust settles on this high-noon-like showdown, the investigation races forward. Rattawat faces charges including resisting arrest and possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, crimes that could write the rest of his days rather differently than he imagined.
Elsewhere, the hustle and bustle of life continue as Thailand’s news circuit buzzes with fervor—be it business, crime, or the weather. Yet for a moment, all eyes were fixed on the gripping tale of justice in Nonthaburi, a reminder of the intricate tango of law and disorder that plays out daily beneath our unassuming skies.
This story sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie! I can’t believe this happened in real life.
True, it’s pretty wild. But it makes you think about how dangerous these situations are for police.
Yeah, you’re right. It’s easy to forget the risks officers take on a daily basis.
As someone in law enforcement, it’s a split-second decision-making process in situations like these.
I find it suspicious that they attributed their success to a tooth charm. Are they not trained enough to handle these situations?
Superstitions have no place in the force! Training and skill should be enough.
Maybe the charm is just a morale booster. People have different ways of coping with stress.
I agree Richie, but the public needs to know the police can rely on more than luck.
What a rush this must have been! Just another reason why drugs should be legalized to avoid this chaos.
Legalization wouldn’t stop these criminals, it would just make it worse!
If regulated, the crimes wouldn’t need to exist. It’s about controlling what’s already rampant.
It might reduce black market sales, but wouldn’t it just lead to more problems?
The suspect was armed with a knife. Seems like excessive force to shoot him…
Police are trained to neutralize threats, not take risks. What if the guy harmed someone?
I just think there needs to be balance in the use of force in these situations!
This is an impressive capture by the police. Great job on ensuring public safety!
It is, but we have to stay vigilant. Police should always be held accountable for their actions.
Of course, transparency is key in maintaining trust between law enforcement and the public.
It’s fascinating how real life can be just as thrilling as fiction!
Sure, but real-life consequences are way more severe than anything you see in the movies.
What kind of legal penalties does Rattawat face? This should serve as a major deterrent.
It sounds like he’ll face significant jail time for drug trafficking and resisting arrest.
It’s usually harsh for drug-related crimes in a bid to curb the narcotics problem.
I think the emphasis should be on rehabilitation, not just punishment. These people need help.
Totally, helping them reintegrate into society is more sustainable.
This is what happens when society lets drug use run unchecked!
The real problem is lack of support for mental health and addiction.
What an intense chase! Do you think animals ever get caught up in something like this?
Unfortunately, wildlife could be at risk if chases occur in suburban areas.
No matter the methods, I’m just glad they caught him before anyone got hurt.
Back in my day, we didn’t have these problems—people respected the law!
It seems like a movie, but remember, these are real lives affected.
Kinda cool that the cops were like action heroes, but glad nobody died.
Would love to know the history of that area. Must be rich in stories beyond this crime.
Well done to the officers, but what about the chain of command? Were all protocols followed?