CHONBURI, Thailand– A heated confrontation escalated dramatically on the Bangkok-Rayong Motorway late on February 15th, 2026, when a truck driver allegedly shot at a motorway rescue vehicle after being warned about parking in a hazardous spot, before fleeing into nearby woods with a female passenger.
The incident occurred around 10:36 p.m. on the elevated motorway (Motorway) between kilometre markers 129 and 131, outbound toward Rayong near Huay Yai.
According to the Highway Police Division 1, Region 8, officers from the Highway Police received a report that an armed suspect had fired shots at a motorway rescue vehicle, causing damage. Pol. Lt. Col. Prakasit Phaladej, investigator from Huay Yai Police Station, along with supporting units, was dispatched to the scene.
At the location, officers found the damaged suspect vehicle, a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with Bangkok registration plates abandoned on the shoulder of the road. Approximately 100 meters away, the motorway rescue vehicle (Bangkok plate 3ฒก 4049) had sustained bullet damage to its right rear wheel and wheel arch.
The suspect and his female companion had reportedly fled hand-in-hand into the adjacent forested area before authorities arrived.
Evidence collected at the scene included one spent 11mm cartridge casing outside the vehicle, along with three unfired rounds. Inside the pickup, officers recovered an additional eight spent casings. These items were seized as evidence.
In the bed of the truck, authorities discovered approximately 51 bags of fresh kratom leaves, weighing around 500 kilograms in total.
Rescue personnel provided the following account: They had approached the white pickup, which was parked in a dangerous location on the motorway shoulder, to warn the driver for safety reasons. The man explained that he was arguing with his girlfriend. The rescuers advised him to calm down, resolve the issue peacefully, and move the vehicle to a safer spot.
However, the driver allegedly followed the rescue vehicle, then opened fire twice, striking the rear of the rescue unit and forcing it to stop. He then parked his truck ahead, grabbed his girlfriend’s hand, and the pair fled into the woods.
Highway Police, in coordination with Huay Yai Police Station officers, have deployed forces to seal off and search the forested area for the suspect. Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of a man and woman matching the description immediately, as the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation is ongoing, with police from the Highway Patrol and local stations pursuing leads to apprehend the suspect. No injuries were reported from the shooting.
This is a developing story.
