Drunk officer crashes police pickup into woman and flees scene
Suspect offers cash at hospital amid growing criticism
An alleged drunk officer crashed a police pickup into a woman and her sidecar motorcycle in the central province of Chachoengsao on Monday, May 5, and failed to stop and assist the victim.
CCTV footage of the incident circulated widely on Thai social media platforms, drawing criticism of the officer responsible for the collision. The crash occurred on the Ban Tang Kong–Ban Tatongkham Road in Sanamchaikate district, Chachoengsao.
In the video, the 48 year old female victim, Sureepha, was seen moving her sidecar motorcycle out of her home and reversing it into the left lane. Unexpectedly, a speeding police pickup violently struck the rear of her vehicle.
The officer driving the pickup failed to stop and check on Sureepha, fleeing the scene immediately. The public condemned the officer for his lack of responsibility and humanity.
Rescue workers were called to the scene and transported Sureepha to Sanamchaikate Hospital. Although her condition was initially unclear, she is now reported to be in a stable condition, according to photos shared by several news outlets.
The police driver was later identified as Police Captain Saksit Chimanonwit, who serves as the deputy inspector of the Crime Prevention and Suppression Department at Wang Khu Police Station.
Saksit did not get far before being apprehended. An alcohol test reportedly revealed 79 milligrammes per cent of alcohol in his system, exceeding the legal limit by less than 50 milligrammes per cent.
Saksit is now facing two charges:
- Section 43(2) of the Land Transport Act: Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants. The penalty includes imprisonment of up to one year, a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, or both.
- Section 370 of the Criminal Code: Committing a reckless act leading to injury to another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
The officer later visited the victim in the hospital and offered her 20,000 baht as initial compensation. He stated that further compensation would be discussed once she is discharged.
As of now, Saksit was transferred from Wang Khu Police Station to the Chachoengsao Provincial Police Office, pending the outcome of a special committee’s investigation into his actions.
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