Chiang mai: A heated argument between two men escalated into a physical altercation at a gas station near Wat Lok Moli in downtown Chiang Mai, driven by rising fuel prices and a dispute over queue cutting.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident was captured by Facebook user Narathip Sothi, who recorded the chaotic scene at the Manee Nopparat Road gas station. The conflict unfolded following the announcement of a price hike, with Gasohol 91 and 95 increasing by 2 baht per liter and diesel by 1.80 baht per liter. The station quickly ran out of diesel, leaving only Gasohol 91 and 95, as many customers queued to refuel.
The altercation involved two men riding motorcycles, one in a white shirt and the other in a black shirt, who attempted to cut in line. The man in the black shirt, appearing intoxicated, initiated the conflict by kicking the motorcycle in front of him. Despite an initial separation, the two men engaged in a second confrontation, prompting intervention from gas station attendants and other customers.
After filling their tanks, the man in the white shirt filed a report with the police. The person who filmed the incident noted the unusual nature of the situation, given the high fuel prices. The gas station owner emphasized that this was the first occurrence of its kind, attributing the incident to a customer unfamiliar with the station’s norms.
Across Chiang Mai, gas stations experienced long queues, particularly for diesel, with some stations imposing limits on fuel refills to ensure fair distribution. One station reportedly dispensed 6,000 liters of diesel in less than three hours, highlighting the severity of the fuel crisis.