Phang Nga police officer charged with drunk driving

PHUKET: The Phang Nga police officer who landed six people in a hospital in Phang Nga on the night of Sept 9 when drunk at the wheel of his pickup truck has been charged with drunk driving after results of his BAC test confirmed that his alcohol level was over the limit.

Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit caused outrage among Phang Nga Town locals after leaving six people when he plowed his pickup truck into them while drunk at the wheel. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police, told The Phuket News today (Sept 29), “We have finally received the BAC test results from Phang Nga Hospital after waiting for more than two weeks, and they confirm that the officer’s alcohol level was more than 50mg at the time of the incident.

“The officer has now been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

Lt Dusit declined to elaborate further as to whether the officer, Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit, will face a prison sentence.

“His case has been handed over to the court and a disciplinary committee, and he will be punished accordingly by them,” he said.

Initial reports on the incident stated that Sub Lt Thanom was reeking of alcohol when he left six people injured after his pickup truck crossed Phetkasem Rd and crashed into them – before he fled the scene. The incident sparked outrage among local residents in Phang Nga Town.(See story here.)

Sub Lt Thanom of Phang Nga Muang Police Station was released on bail of B20,000 after he was charged with reckless driving causing injury and fleeing the scene. (See story here.)