A 69-year-old Thai woman has been arrested for ramming her pick-up truck into a security guard at Chiang Mai airport yesterday. Her alleged motivation was anger over having to pay a fine for parking in a temporary parking spot for too long.
According to witnesses, Phattra Boonchaliew, 69, ran her car over 27-year-old Watchara Chaiwong and dragged the guard’s body for about 50 meters. She also hit four other cars in the process, according to Chiang Mai City Life.
Before she did so, Phattra reportedly made a fuss when she returned to her car and found out that her wheels had been clamped. Nevertheless, she paid the THB400 (about US$12) parking fine. It was the unfortunate Watchara who then proceeded to unclamp her wheels.
The guard, in critical condition, was immediately sent to Maharaj Nakorn Hospital, where he remains in intensive care.
Meanwhile, the woman was taken into questioning at Phu Ping Ratchaniwet Police Station, where her relatives told the police that she suffers from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Her cousins further claimed that Phattra didn’t intentionally run over the guard, but “lost balance” while pulling out of the parking space. They even said that Phattra would like to visit Vatchara in the hospital.
As of press time, interrogators have released Phattra to return home but kept her truck for further examination.
Authorities are, reportedly, waiting for doctors to complete a full evaluation of Watchara’s injuries before officially issuing a charge, according to Thairath.
Today, Security MAI International Co. Ltd., the victim’s employer, is reportedly also gathering CCTV footage as evidence to illustrate Phattra’s intent.
