Deputy minister’s son crashes BMW into police checkpoint

Traffic Police Division 5 officials in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district found themselves in a high-speed chase with the son of a deputy minister.

The 46 year old man in question was behind the wheel of his sleek BMW sports car when the vehicle careened into steel barricades at a police checkpoint near Soi Ratchadaphisek 31. The driver declined an alcohol test, raising suspicion among the officers.

Unwilling to let him off the hook, officials whipped out a non-contact breathalyzer, revealing a staggering 183 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood which is well over the legal limit.

Facing charges of driving under the influence, the man found himself in custody at Pracha Chuen police station. Despite his reportedly uncooperative behaviour and wild claims of police theft, he managed to secure his release by posting a bail sum of 20,000 baht.

According to the law, drivers with alcohol levels exceeding 50 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood can face up to a year in prison, a 20,000 baht fine, or both, reported The Nation.

Additionally, their driving licences may be suspended for a minimum of six months, with their vehicles impounded for up to seven days.

In related news, local politician descendants, known as the Pee Po gang, have been detained for beating a young man to death during the Songkran festival on April 14, in an incident that left two of the victim’s relatives seriously injured.

The attack, claimed as self-defence, stems from an altercation where the 29 year old victim was beaten to death by the gang in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi.

In other news, a high-ranking government official from the Ministry of Interior caused a stir when he confronted and attempted to obstruct police officers at a traffic checkpoint during the Songkran Festival celebrations. The incident, which took place yesterday, April 11 at around 5pm, occurred in the district of Yang Chum Noi, Sisaket Province.