NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A 34-year-old trailer-truck driver who later admitted being high on methamphetamine was arrested early Tuesday night after leading police on a 40-kilometre chase along Highway 2 in Non Daeng district.

Chokechai Sunthorn was driving an 18-wheel steel transporter when he sped away from a police checkpoint at Non Tathen intersection.

Police at the checkpoint radioed a request for nearby police stations to set up roadblocks. The truck turned left at Sida intersection and was heading to Bua Yai district when police cars signalled it to stop.

The driver slowed down as he approached a road construction site and then made a sudden U-turn. The chase ended when police fired shots at the trailer's front tyres.

During questioning, the driver appeared high and talked frantically. A urine test indicated that he had used drugs.

Police said the driver admitted he had taken 10 speed pills. A search of the vehicle found items for using marijuana.

Mr Chokechai was handed over to Non Daeng police station for questioning and the trailer-truck was impounded for a thorough search.