Pattaya Police Nab Drug Dealer After Dramatic Car Chase and Shootout

In Pattaya on May 23rd, a gripping car chase and shootout ensued, culminating in the apprehension of an alleged drug dealer. After pointing his firearm at officers, the suspect was shot in the leg and taken into custody.

It all began when Pattaya police, under the leadership of Police Chief Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, received reports of gunfire and injuries around 2:16 PM on Jomtien Second Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Promptly, they rushed to the scene.

There, they found Pol. Lt. Col. Chaimet Chaiwanruj, Deputy Superintendent of Na Jomtien Police Station, and his team in the process of apprehending Mr. Adisak Chanthong, also known as “Jo Jomtien,” aged 45. Mr. Adisak had sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg and was provided initial medical assistance by Sawang Boriboon rescue workers before being transported to the hospital under police custody.

At the scene, investigators discovered a damaged Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, which had collided with a median strip and had lost tires on the front driver’s side. They also located bloodstains believed to be from Mr. Adisak, as well as a black backpack containing illicit drugs inside the vehicle. The backpack contained 30 grams of methamphetamine, 150 methamphetamine pills in packets, drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, and a 9mm pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. These items were seized as evidence.

According to the Na Jomtien police team involved in the operation, they had conducted an undercover sting to apprehend Mr. Adisak, who was suspected of drug trafficking.

During the transaction, the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle. Officers pursued and fired at the tires in an attempt to disable the vehicle, but the suspect persisted in driving despite the punctured tires. Eventually, the suspect lost control of the vehicle, crashing onto the median strip.

Even when cornered by Na Jomtien police, the suspect refused to surrender. Instead, he brandished a handgun and aimed it at the officers, leading them to shoot him in self-defense. The bullet struck the suspect in the leg, prompting him to yield.

The wounded suspect is currently receiving medical treatment. Police stated that once he has recuperated, Na Jomtien police will interrogate him and take further legal action.