German woman runs red light in BMW, awaits trial in Phuket jail cell after weird behavior (PHOTOS)

All photos: The Phuket News
All photos: The Phuket News

A German woman is currently being held at Phuket Provincial Court where she is awaiting trial after being stopped by police when she ran a red light in Chalong and proceeded to have a long phone chat, yell at officers, empty her purse into a potted plant and throw her keys onto a nearby roof.

Tuesday morning, Chalong Police were informed that a car heading towards Chalong had ran a red light at the junction for Sun Palm Village on Chao Fa East Road.

After learning of the incident, Lt. Thanakrit Eiamchonlakam of the Chalong Police, along with four other officers, rushed to Chalong Circle and waited for the subject vehicle.

After a short while the vehicle arrived and was stopped by the officers.

Lt. Thanakrit said, “The vehicle was a black, Bangkok-registered BMW X1 and the driver was a German woman named Sandra Christiane Grunewald, 55. She was speaking on the telephone when we stopped her.

“We asked Ms. Grunewald to step out of the vehicle but she wouldn’t and continued to talk on the phone,” he said.

A long 15 minutes later, she finally ended her conversation and acknowledged the officers. “She finally got out of the car and I asked to see her driving license and passport. She was not happy with his and shouted out loud. She then grabbed her handbag, walked to a nearby potted plant and proceeded to empty her handbag into the pot.”

“She then threw her car keys onto the roof of a nearby building which an officer had to retrieve,” he added.

Grunewald was taken to Chalong Police Station and charged with driving through a red light and disregard for other people’s safety.

Lt. Chanat Hongsitthichaikul, also of the Chalong Police added, “Ms. Grunewald has already been taken to Phuket Provincial Court where she is awaiting trial for breaking the Land Transport Act. For this she could be jailed for no longer than three months or fined between THB2,000 and THB10,000, or both.”

When asked if Grunewald would be given bail, Lt. Chanat replied, “I don’t know, that is for the court to decide.”

It’s hard to know what to make of the woman’s odd and rude behavior.

Story: The Phuket News



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