The driver, Pichitphol Pak-kaew is currently being held on charges of drink driving causing loss of life and reckless driving causing death.
The first charge carries a penalty of a fine of between B60,000-B200,000 and between three – 10 years in prison. His driver’s licence will be revoked. The second charge carries a penalty of a fine of no more than B20,000 and/or no more than 10 years in prison.
Lt Col Sarit Butrnongsang told The Phuket News today, “Yesterday morning Pichitphol received a call to go and pick up some tourists from the airport.
“He told us that he hadn’t been drinking that morning, but he had the night before.
“He also said that he fell asleep at the wheel before crashing into our officer.”
Lt Col Sarit also confirmed that they are still awaiting the results of blood tests taken at Thalang Hospital yesterday to check for any drug use, and also more evidence from the police forensics department which should be received within weeks.
“I believe that we will have all the evidence within one month and then we can take the case to court. It is up to the court to decide whether they give him bail or not. But I think as this is a very serious case, the bail should not less than B500,000.
The body of Pol Sergeant Suthat Songmueng has since been returned to Trang by his relatives so they can carry out funeral rites.