Tour speedboat driver to be charged for drug use

Tour speedboat driver to be charged for drug use

PHUKET: Pol Lt Col Kanaen Somrak, Inspector at Chalong Police Station, has confirmed that the driver of the speedboat that collided with a channel marker in Chalong Bay last week, injuring 35 tourists, will be charged with drug use.

tourismmarinetransportSafetydrugspolice
By The Phuket News

Monday 22 May 2023, 04:22PM

Police at Chalong Pier while tourists injured in the collision were brought ashore last Wednesday (May 17). Photo: Tourist Police

Lt Col Kanaen confirmed to The Phuket News today (May 22) that a blood test conducted by Mission Hospital Phuket had confirmed that the driver, Satit Maschai, had tested positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine (ya bah/ya ice) use.

Chalong Police will proceed with charges for drug use, Lt Col Kanaen said. “He will be prosecuted for that,” he assured.

However, Lt Col Kanaen said that although Satit tested positive for drug use, it did not confirm that Satit was under the influence of the narcotic at the time he was driving the tour speedboat ‘Thanathip Marine 555’ when it struck the channel marker.

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew confirmed to the press on Friday that Satit already faces up to three years in jail or a fine of up to B60,000, or both, if he is found guilty of negligence that resulted in the collision.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

Kurt | 24 May 2023 - 00:20:14

JohnC, ok, follow your explanation. But question; How long in time can drugs effect a person? And were to draw the line between use and under influence? That boat driver should have never been on board. Can there be a relation between using drugs, not be under influence, but due to stuff in the body falling asleep in cars/boats, or having effect on judging operational situations?

Capricornball | 23 May 2023 - 15:11:42

Maverick ID'ed the simple solution, regular drug testing for ALL public transport cartel vermin and boat operators. Zero tolerance for offenders, 1 positive test and you're done. Hopefully the new MFP members will finally address the perpetual mismanagement of land and water transport safety, and remove the existing unqualified thug masters and replace them with people of integrity.

GerryT81 | 23 May 2023 - 15:03:09

" May be soon they find something to blame 1 of the tourists for the disaster"  Is this another kind of your " jokeble sarcasm" Kurt,or are you really believe this nonsense ? Just asking.

maverick | 23 May 2023 - 12:18:11

JohnC - absolutely correct, however anyone who is in charge of a public service vehicle should refrain entirely from use of drugs - we all know folks in offshore oil or mines and they are all tested matters not how long it remains in their system positive is positive - perhaps a similar approach here for all public service vehicle drivers

JohnC | 23 May 2023 - 09:01:36

@Kurt. Have to disagree with you. It's a known fact that cannabis can and does show up weeks after consuming it in urine screening tests, depending on how much usage. Any drug that is fat soluble will do the same. Just because a drug still shows up in your system does not mean you are still under it's influence.

JohnC | 23 May 2023 - 08:56:19

I'd say that was pretty bloody negligent as would any rational person. Throw the book at him and make him an example so the rest of those that ignore these laws and regulations will get it in their minds that the same can happen to them if they mess up.

Capt B | 23 May 2023 - 08:24:39

Somebody doesn't like what I wrote in Phuket Opinion as it would of brought about extra operating costs for their sponsors & increased safety for their sponsor's passengers. After a few days of bouncing off the bulkheads on the meth, the Thai Captain of your typical wiz bang tourist killer speed boat was obviously "coming down" & fell asleep at the wheel.

Kurt | 23 May 2023 - 00:19:01

A whole new law setting is born!!
One can have used drugs/alcohol but not under influence. Wow, a fantastic new world opens for drivers, positve tested for alcohol after accident but not under influence. Many convicted can now appeal.  TIT. Crazy twisting.

Kurt | 23 May 2023 - 00:13:14

Tested positive for drugs, but not sure he was under influence during time of disaster........and there we go again....., the Thai way to talk down something serious when it concerns a Thai brother. Of course, with it comes the brown envelop flow. Thai damage control started already. May be soon they find something to blame 1 of the tourists for the disaster. The Thai corrupt fantasy has no limits