Pickup driver surrenders after nursing assistant killed in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI — 1 November 2026, A pickup truck driver has surrendered to police in Chiang Mai after allegedly striking and killing a nursing assistant who had stopped to help injured people during a brawl between two groups of teenagers.

The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, turned himself in at Mae Ping Police Station on the morning of 1 November, bringing the pickup truck involved in the incident. He reportedly claimed that he had ducked to avoid gunfire from rivals and drove off in fear of being attacked, causing his vehicle to hit the nursing assistant.

However, police said they were not convinced by his explanation and suspected that he had been driving at high speed and negligently.

The case stems from a late-night clash between two groups of teenagers who had reportedly been feuding and challenging each other on social media before arranging to meet for a fight. Police patrol officers arrived at the initial meeting point, prompting the groups to disperse.

The groups later resumed their confrontation while travelling in vehicles. During the pursuit, one motorcycle reportedly fell, leaving people injured. Kanokrat Yotsathiwong, a nursing assistant who was passing by, stopped to help them but was struck by the pickup truck and killed.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchai Phongwiwat, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, said investigators had identified members of both groups and were working to locate everyone involved.

He said the two groups would face legal action over the fighting. Police checks also found that members of both groups had previously been arrested and prosecuted, with their parents acting as guarantors for their release, but they allegedly returned to similar behaviour.

Most of those involved were over 18, with many aged between 20 and 25, according to the deputy commissioner. Police will seize vehicles and other evidence and investigate whether anyone else was involved in providing or supporting the vehicles used in the incident.

He added that parents or guardians found to have encouraged or supported the offenders could also face legal action.

The driver’s account of the collision remains under investigation. Police have said they will pursue the case against those involved in both groups.