BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai police have launched an urgent investigation after former Formula 1 driver Mika Salo was injured in an apparent random attack in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, prompting authorities to tighten tourist safety measures. According to international media reports, the Finnish racing veteran suffered a leg injury believed to have been caused by a sharp object while walking in central Bangkok. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet had ordered Bangkok Metropolitan Police investigators to urgently track down the attacker and restore confidence among foreign tourists. Police said the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on May 19. Salo had been walking from Sukhumvit Soi 6 past Sukhumvit Soi 4 and was crossing a pedestrian crossing toward Nana intersection when he reportedly felt a motorcycle brush past him. He initially did not realize he had been injured until bystanders noticed blood pouring from his leg.
The former F1 driver was later treated at Bumrungrad International Hospital, where doctors stitched the wound with 28 sutures. Police said Salo had not yet formally filed a complaint. Hotel staff in the area reportedly told investigators that other tourists had described similar incidents. Detectives are now reviewing CCTV footage along the route to identify the motorcyclist and determine whether the attack was deliberate. Lt. Gen. Trairong later visited Mika Salo at Police General Hospital, where he underwent further examination. Doctors confirmed his condition is stable. Authorities said the case has raised concerns over Thailand’s tourism safety image, with police ordered to accelerate the investigation and bring those responsible to justice. (TNA)
