A woman driving a Toyota Yaris collided with eight vehicles in central Bangkok and subsequently pointed a gun at tourists on a tuk-tuk. Fortunately, the gun was not loaded, and nobody was harmed. Authorities found no drugs or alcohol in her system. The woman’s relatives claimed she had taken tranquilizers.
The incident occurred late at night on September 25, with police reporting that the woman began her dangerous behavior in the Silom area, leading to multiple hit-and-run offenses until her car ended up on the sidewalk.
The driver, identified only as 28-year-old Ms. Wiphaanee, reportedly exhibited erratic behavior and threatened three foreign tourists riding a tuk-tuk with a firearm, causing panic among bystanders. The police apprehended her after she allegedly slapped one of the officers with her gun.
Investigations revealed that Ms. Wiphaanee had been working as a ride-share driver and claimed to have panicked after colliding with another vehicle. She asserted that she felt threatened and acted out of fear. She also mentioned recently purchasing the firearm for self-defense.
Police conducted drug and alcohol tests on Ms. Wiphaanee, which returned negative results. However, it was noted that she had previous medical treatment for anxiety. A total of eight vehicles were reported damaged in the incident.
She has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon in public without permission, and reckless driving. Additional charges may follow as investigations continue and more victims come forward.
Additionally, one police officer sustained minor injuries during the scuffle, and a taxi driver was injured as well. Both individuals were taken for medical treatment.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
