Motorist attacked in Pathum Thani

Interior decorator Thanin Boonkasem, 50, was attacked when he found himself caught in traffic near Pathum Thani City Hall and got out of his car to demand that he be allowed to go through, before red-shirt protester Sanchai Phetprasert, 54, started assaulting him.

Sanchai, who was making announcements from a pickup, ran towards Thanin and started hitting him with his megaphone before police officers intervened.

Thanin said he was tired after the long drive from Nonthaburi province and did not appreciate being caught in a traffic jam.

He said he came out of his car and told the red shirts to move their vehicles away from the road to ease the congestion, but they started abusing him, before Sanchai started attacking him.

Thanin, who ended up with injuries to his forehead, said he was not ready to make any compromises and questioned why the hundreds of police officers on duty did not rush to help him.

The two were taken to Muang Pathum Thani police station to make their statements.