Thai monk denies fatal hit-and-run despite CCTV evidence
A Thai monk denied involvement in a fatal hit-and-run in the central province of Ayutthaya, despite CCTV footage showing his car at the accident scene at approximately 12.30am on Monday, January 27.
Rescuers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation reported the death of a 30 year old Thai motorcyclist, Kasemsan, on their Facebook page on Monday. Kasemsan’s body was found at the side of the Ayutthaya-Ang Thong Road alongside his damaged motorcycle, a blue Honda Wave 101i.
No other vehicles or motorists were present upon the rescuers’ arrival, prompting them to file a complaint with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station. Officers reviewed security camera footage from the scene and identified a suspicious vehicle.
The footage showed the car travelling at high speed before moving close to Kasemsan’s motorcycle, causing him to lose control and crash. It was not clear whether the car hit the motorcycle or not, as the incident took place far from the camera.
Following further investigation, police identified the driver as a monk named Date, who resides at Choeng Tha Temple in the province.
The monk was summoned for questioning but denied the allegations. He claimed he left the temple that night to search for his son, as he was concerned that the boy had gone out with friends to participate in illegal street racing.
Despite the CCTV footage, the monk insisted he did not crash into the motorcycle. Police released him after just five minutes of questioning.
Channel 3 reported that journalists visited the temple in an attempt to inspect the monk’s car for any signs of a collision. The media confirmed that the motorcyclist had not crashed into the vehicle on his own, as his motorcycle showed clear evidence of a heavy impact.
Another monk at the temple told the media that Kasemsan had no known family members. However, he was described as a good person who often volunteered in temple and community activities. He was well-liked by fellow monks and local residents.
Police have yet to file any charges against the monk and have not confirmed whether his claim about his son was truthful, as a fellow monk stated that he had no family members.
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