Jirapat said eyewitnesses told police a group the dead youths were with had been racing on Sukhapibal Road from about 11pm on Saturday until just before the crash.

But he said the dead youths’ friends claimed they ran into two patrol officers, who were on a motorcycle, after attending a Wat Bukkhalo merit-making event.

He said the group encountered the two patrol officers on Sukhapibal Road. When the officers tried to make arrests, the group dispersed.

Riding beside the three youths, none of whom wore a helmet, the officers demanded they stop but their motorbike suffered a brake malfunction and they crashed.

Jirapat said he told police to gather evidence carefully to ensure justice was served.

Phetchkasem Police superintendent Colonel Wutthichai Thaiwat said police had interviewed the deceased youngsters’ relatives, who would hold the funerals before discussing legal matters.

Police have provided the families with money to assist with the staging of the funerals in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Si Sa Ket provinces.

Police are looking at CCTV camera footage as part of the investigation.