Phang Nga Police, however, have finally released the name of the officer charged: Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit of Phang Nga Muang Police Station.
Phang Nga Provincial Police Chief Col Suwat Kaewprom confirmed to the press that Sub Lt Thanom is facing charges of reckless driving causing injury and fleeing the scene of an accident.
“We are gathering all information for this case and will send it to court,” Col Suwat said.
“Sub Lt Thanom has been released on B20,000 bail,” he added.
“We also waiting for the alcohol test from Phang Nga Hospital, which I was told will take up to a week for the results to come back. If his alcohol level is confirmed as more than 50mg (per 100ml of blood) , he will be charged with drunk driving,” said Col Suwat.
In Thailand, the standard Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for operating a vehicle is 0.05 per cent. (See here.)
Sub Lt Thanom was off duty when his pickup truck crossed Phetkasem Rd on Sept 9 and crashed into the two motorbikes and a car – before the officer fled the scene.
He was chased down and finally brought his pickup truck to a halt within the temple grounds of Wat Mongkol Sutthawas, where attendees at a funeral attested that the officer reeked of alcohol. (See story here.)
Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police, told The Phuket News yesterday (Sept 13), “The officer who caused the accident will be investigated by a disciplinary committee set up by Phang Nga Provincial Police Commander.
“All six people injured in the accident were taken to hospital that night. Three with minor injuries were sent home after treatment, but the three others remained in hospital,” he added.
Lt Dusit named the three as Chanicha Thibura, Anin Thibura, and their daughter Ms Viticha.
Ms Chanicha was discharged from hospital on Monday (Sept 12), Lt Dusit said.
“Mr Anin and his daughter Ms Viticha were still recovering in hospital yesterday (Sept 12),” he added.
Lt Dusit did not give a description of the extent of their injuries.