Viral footage shows policeman’s car striking parked vehicles in Koh Samui parking

A police officer stationed at the Koh Samui Police Station in Surat Thani province was filmed striking four parked vehicles with his car during a chaotic rampage behind the station on September 24. The incident unfolded around 8:30pm, but the footage did not surface until the following day, September 27, on Thai social media.

The officer, a lieutenant serving as a deputy inspector, was seen driving into the grassy parking area containing the vehicles. One individual attempted to stop the speeding vehicle by placing a tire in its path, but he tripped and fell as the car drew nearer. Undeterred, he managed to roll out of the way, avoiding the impact, while onlookers shouted at him to stay away.

The police lieutenant was later identified but his name remained undisclosed to the public. According to Channel 7, other officers swiftly intervened and stopped the driver. He was taken to Koh Samui Hospital for a health examination, subsequently transferred to Suan Sarason Hospital where medical staff discovered a history of psychiatric treatment.

Four vehicles sustained damage in the incident, and the officer's vehicle was insured under a first-class policy. The insurance company was expected to compensate the owners of the damaged vehicles through the appropriate procedures. Koh Samui Police Station superintendent Panya Niratimanon revealed that the officer had been receiving ongoing psychiatric care and had previously experienced anxiety and panic attacks.

Superintendent Panya explained that the officer had been reassigned to documentation-related duties the previous year in an effort to mitigate work-related stress. She also confirmed that the officer's firearm had been confiscated to protect both himself and others. Superintendent Panya affirmed that the officer had no prior record of violent behavior.

The officer was charged under Section 358 of the Criminal Code for damaging other people's property, which carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Further investigation will determine whether the officer remains fit to continue his police duties.