Phuket police officer under investigation for vehicle hit-and-run while drunk driving

The driver, Lt Nikorn Songkhao of the Thalang Police, allegedly attempted to flee the scene.

Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Pornsak Nuannu confirmed to The Phuket News this afternoon (Feb 15) that he has ordered Thalang Police Chief Lt Col Phisit Chuenphet to investigate the incident.

The investigation follows a video being posted online showing Lt Nikorn and his heavily damaged Toyota Vios stopped on Thepkrasattri Rd just south of the turn-off intersection that leads to Phuket International Airport.

The video, a 3 minute 57 second clip posted on Facebook, was titled "Police hit and run, white sedan, police car (Phuket Airport Intersection)".

The video showed that Lt Nikorn had stopped in the right-hand lane on the southern side of the intersection.

On the north side of the intersection was a Suzuki Swift with heavy damage to its rear.

In front of the Suzuki Swift was a white pickup truck with minor damage to its rear bumper, from where the Suzuki Swift had struck it.

Meanwhile, on the south side of the intersection, the front of Lt Nikorn’s Toyota Vios had sustained heavy damage from the impact, and a long line of fluid had spilled from under his car, trailing all the way to where his car came to a halt.

The video also clearly showed Lt Nikorn who initially remained sitting in the car, and his police identification hanging from the rear-view mirror. Lt Nikorn appeared to be drunk in the video.

“Thalang Police Chief Lt Col Phisit Chuenphet has set up a team to investigate the incident,” Maj Gen Pornsak said today.

“The team is in the process of collecting evidence, including video clips and obtaining statements from witnesses at the scene.

“If it is found that a law enforcement officer actually committed a crime, the officer will face disciplinary and criminal penalties,” he assured.