Police in Chiang Rai are intensifying their search for a gunman who opened fire on a pickup truck used for collecting scrap metal. The attack occurred on a remote mountain road and left the vehicle riddled with more than 10 bullet holes. Remarkably, the driver survived with only injuries to his hand and back and managed to drive himself to safety.
The incident was reported on Thursday, prompting officers from Wiang Kaen Police Station, along with supporting agencies, to launch an immediate investigation. Police were alerted that a gunman had ambushed a scrap dealer’s pickup truck as it traveled along a rugged mountain road between Huai Khu village and Huai Han village in Por subdistrict, Wiang Kaen district.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a narrow two-lane road winding through heavily forested hills, an environment that offered ample cover for an ambush. However, there were no signs of the shooter or the targeted vehicle. This initially puzzled investigators until they learned that the driver had successfully fled the attack and continued driving—despite being wounded—until he reached Wiang Kaen Hospital.
Police then followed up at the hospital, where they found the injured driver, Mr. Wajoe, 56, a resident of Por subdistrict. He had been shot in the hand and suffered a grazing wound across his back. Medical staff had already arranged for him to be transferred to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital in Mueang Chiang Rai for more advanced treatment.
In his initial account to police, Mr. Wajoe explained that he had been driving his usual route to collect scrap in surrounding villages. While traveling toward Huai Han village, shots suddenly rang out from an unknown direction. He said the sound came without warning, and bullets immediately struck the vehicle, shattering panels and leaving multiple perforations across the body of the truck.
Despite being hit, Mr. Wajoe managed to maintain control of the pickup and accelerate away from the gunfire. He described gripping the steering wheel tightly with his uninjured hand, focusing solely on escaping the danger and reaching help.
Investigators believe the gunman may have positioned himself along a concealed section of the mountain road, taking advantage of the dense forest and elevated terrain. The number of bullet holes found suggests the attacker fired repeatedly with the intent to stop or seriously injure the driver.
Police are now examining potential motives, including whether the incident was linked to a personal dispute, local business tensions, or other criminal activity. Officers have begun collecting evidence from the roadside area, interviewing nearby residents, and reviewing any available information about recent conflicts involving the victim.
Authorities emphasize that the search for the gunman is ongoing and that additional patrols have been deployed throughout the area. Residents in Wiang Kaen district have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation continues.
