The incident began in front of a fresh market in Thepkrasattri, where municipal officers witnessed a pickup truck colliding with several vehicles and motorcycles.
The driver, later identified as 33-year-old Nira Chusen, first hit a car near Lotus Express Thalang before striking a motorcycle ridden by a foreign female tourist in front of Big C in Baan Bang Jo, Srisoonthorn.
As the chaos unfolded, a municipal officer pursued the pickup truck on a motorcycle and attempted to break its window to rescue a 3-year-old boy trapped inside.
Despite his efforts, the vehicle continued for another 100 metres, colliding with yet another motorcycle before heading toward Bang Jo Prison and eventually stopping near the Bang Maruan pond due to a flat tyre.
Local residents quickly intervened, safely rescuing the young boy from the vehicle. Amid the confusion, the female driver managed to escape and remains at large.
Baramee Khummuangthong, 34, who was in the back of the pickup truck at the time, identified himself as Ms Nira’s husband. He revealed that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute over household expenses earlier this morning.
“I had just dropped off our older child at school when my wife became upset. She drove off, and I jumped onto the back of the truck because our younger son was inside,” Mr Baramee recounted. “I tried everything to stop the car, but she kept driving.”
Police confirmed that Ms Nira has been undergoing treatment for depression for the past two years. Her current whereabouts remain unknown, as she has not been in contact since the incident.
Meanwhile, Mr Baramee expressed remorse for the ordeal, stating, “I want to apologise to everyone affected. I never wanted this to happen.”
Phuket police are investigating the case, with efforts underway to locate Ms Nira and assess any legal consequences arising from the reckless driving spree.
The rescued child is reportedly safe but remains in shock from the incident.