More than 30 residents gathered at Phang Nga Muang District Police Station last night, calling for police to test the officer for alcohol and ensure justice is served in conducting their investigation.
Phanom Munthathung, 21, who was one the people knocked down by the policeman’s pickup truck, filed a formal complaint, which was received by Phang Nga Town Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Janepob Buthkinaree.
“I was driving my motorbike, bringing my mother from Phang Nga Town market back to our home in Tak Daet District, at about 9pm,” Mr Phanom said.
A friend of Mr Phanom’s family, Anit Saiburi, was travelling with them, with his two daughters on another motorbike, he added.
“While driving past the Provincial Water Authority on Phetkasem Rd, a pickup truck came across the road and hit both motorbikes,” he said.
The pickup also hit a car, driven by Nisara Chamason, 34, who was driving home to Nop Pring District.
The pickup truck, with Phang Nga licence plates, then fled the scene.
As he and his mother were not seriously injured, Mr Phanom picked up his motorbike and gave pursuit.
“I followed the pickup back to Phang Nga Town market, and I called out for people there to help stop the driver from getting away,” Mr Phanom said.
However, the pickup continued until it reached the temple grounds of Wat Mongkol Sutthawas, where the driver finally stopped.
People at temple, gathered there for a funeral, reportedly were initially scared of the pickup truck driver, who then revealed he was an officer with the Phang Nga Police.
The attendees at the funeral reported that the driver stank of alcohol.
Other police soon arrived and took the officer into custody, but refused to reveal any details about the officer, who they transported to Phang Nga Muang District Police Station.
“Three people suffered minor injuries in the incident,” said Pol Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police.
“However, doctors are taking care of another three at Phang Nga Hospital,” he added.
“The driver of the pickup truck has taken to Phang Nga Hospital to be tested for alcohol,” Lt Dusit, but did not reveal the name of the officer, his rank or at which police station the officer serves.
“This case is still under investigation,” was all Lt Dusit would offer.
Police have yet to reveal the names and ages of the three still receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries from the drunk-driving accident, or the extent of the injuries.
Of chief concern, Phang Nga Police have yet to reveal whether either of Mr Anit’s two daughters remain in hospital, and which injuries they have suffered.