KHON KAEN — Matthayom 5 (grade 11) student Pakawat Ngernchai from Khonkaenwittayayon School was riding his motorcycle near the Muang Khon Kaen police station Sunday morning when he saw a man steal a bag from a woman.
The man then jumped on his own motorcycle and drove away.
Quick-thinking Pakawat called 191 and told police about the crime and described the man and his motorcycle.
A police pickup truck started to chase the thief, but quickly lost him in the crowded streets.
It looked like it would be another unsolved crime, but then the police received another phone call from Pakawat. He was following the thief and told them where he was.
Police set up a checkpoint to stop the thief, but he saw it and made a U-turn.
What did Pakawat do? He blocked him with his own motorcycle. The thief, now identified as Shinnawat Sudaengnoi, crashed into him, causing both young men to fall off their bikes.
Police arrived soon afterwards and arrested Mr Shinnawat who, they say, had carried out many similar thefts in the past.
They are calling Pakawat a hero. What he did was very dangerous, however, so be careful if you ever see a crime.
Adapted from a story by Chakrapan Natunri.