Hatyai police chief Macha Kaewthong said traffic policemen had clamped the Malaysian-registered vehicle’s wheel earlier this morning and placed a traffic summons on the windshield.

However, they were alerted at 10.30am that the driver had damaged the wheel clamp before fleeing the scene, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“Based on CCTV footage, the man had reversed his vehicle until the clamp broke before speeding away. This is a serious offence as it amounts to destruction of government property and obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duty,” Macha said.

Thai customs and immigration authorities were notified of the vehicle’s registration number so officers could keep a lookout for the car and prevent the driver from escaping the country.

He said the offence was punishable by a fine, up to three months’ jail, or both, upon conviction.