Family pleads for justice after Pattaya hit-and-run tragedy

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Pattaya left a family grieving and seeking justice after a 56 year old woman was fatally struck by a pickup truck. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim in critical condition, leading to her eventual death.

On the morning of September 4, 56 year old Somphat Saensainet, was severely injured after being struck by a pickup truck in Soi Bongkot 8, Pattaya. Despite the severity of her injuries, the driver sped away, abandoning her at the scene.

Bystanders found her in a pool of blood and immediately reported the incident to the Pattaya City Police. Despite their efforts, Somphat succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of September 8.

Yesterday, September 9, at 7.06pm, Somphat’s family received her body for religious rites at Wat Khao Makok in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The atmosphere was sombre as relatives and friends gathered, mourning the loss and condemning the inhumane actions of the driver.

Sirimat Saensainet, Somphat’s daughter, shared her heartbreak with reporters from KhaoSod.

“My mother usually helped open our noodle shop every day. Around 10am that day, I called her to come to the shop. That was the last time we spoke.”

Shortly after, a Good Samaritan informed her of the accident, which occurred less than a kilometre from their shop.

“She was in critical condition, only able to utter that she was in pain. The driver, in a black pickup truck without a license plate, had fled. Though some bystanders tried to follow the vehicle, they couldn’t catch up. The next day, the truck was found abandoned in Soi Khao Noi. The police have since impounded it but despite several days passing, the driver has yet to be apprehended.”

The family of Sirimat is anxious that the perpetrator might evade justice, prompting them to reach out to the media for assistance in tracking down the driver.

“If the driver has any humanity left, please come forward and take responsibility. Imagine if it were your mother or a family member in that situation.”