Family demands justice after fatal accident by Thai policewoman remains unsolved
A Thai man is desperately seeking justice for his father, who tragically lost his life in a Bangkok car crash caused by a policewoman. With the case making no headway since August, the grieving son has turned to the media to pressure police into action.
The deceased’s son, 37 year old Phuriwit Jongnirak, urged Channel 3 to highlight his family’s plight and hold the suspect, a police captain, accountable. Phuriwit revealed that the fatal incident occurred on August 27, yet the police have offered no updates or progress on the case.
“It’s been months, and we’ve heard nothing. We need justice for my father.”
Phuriwit hopes that public attention will finally prompt decisive action and bring the responsible officer to book.
Phuriwit explained that his father, 73 year old Somkuan Jongnirak, was riding his motorcycle in the middle lane of Rat Uthit Road in the Min Buri district of Bangkok, while the policewoman was driving her car in the right lane.
According to Phuriwit, Somkuan was moving to the right lane to make a U-turn when the female police officer suddenly switched to the middle lane and collided with Somkuan. He lost consciousness and had blood flowing from his nose and ears. He later died in hospital due to brain and lung bleeds.
Phuriwit said he had never met the police officer, but his mother and younger brother had. She gave the family some money and sent a wreath to Somkuan’s funeral.
Phuriwit decided to come forward to seek justice for his father because the policewoman previously worked at Min Buri Police Station, which is handling the case. Additionally, there were no CCTV cameras recording the accident. The police also provided no updates which caused Phuriwit concern more about the case.
Channel 3 reported that officers at Min Buri Police Station summoned both parties for questioning yesterday, September 22, after the story gained attention from Thai netizens. However, the policewoman did not attend the meeting, claiming she could not travel due to her car being damaged.
A representative from the policewoman’s car insurance company attended the police station instead. The media reported that the insurance representative was unaware that the victim had died, causing the deceased’s family to question whether the police officer had provided accurate information to her insurance company.
The Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, Kiattikhun Sonthinain, promised to ensure justice for both parties during an interview with Channel 3.
