Car crash with suspected alcohol influence in Tha Phra tunnel obstructs Bangkok traffic

A car accident involving a Honda Jazz car and a Mazda CX3 occurred inside the Tha Phra tunnel in Bangkok, leading to the Honda Jazz flipping over and obstructing the road.

The Jazz was driven by 52 year old probation officer, Suwet (surname withheld), who was found in a dazed state and was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

The incident took place today, November 28, at 9.20am. Upon receiving the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichian Homsuwan, the deputy inspector and investigator at Tha Phra Police Station, and rescue workers from Po Tek Tung Foundation rushed to the accident scene.

Upon arrival, they found the Honda Jazz car, license plate number ฌศ4350, Bangkok, flipped upside down at the entrance of the Tha Phra tunnel, obstructing traffic heading towards Charan Sanitwong Road.

The car’s front was severely damaged, its windshield shattered, and the front alloy wheel broken. Near the Jazz was the Mazda CX3, license plate number 1กง7792, Bangkok, its rear bumper dented and the alloy wheel bent.

Traffic inside the Tha Phra tunnel was temporarily closed to prevent further accidents.

Suspected alcohol influence

According to the investigation, the driver of the Honda Jazz, Suwet, was a probation officer. He appeared dazed and was incoherent while speaking.

The driver of the Mazda reported that prior to the accident, he had parked his car to make purchases near the exit of the Tha Phra tunnel. Suddenly, the Honda Jazz hit his car from behind. Despite repeatedly knocking on the window and attempting to engage with the Honda Jazz driver, the Mazda driver received no response.

The Mazda driver reported that the driver of the Honda Jazz seemed intoxicated and unresponsive.

“It made me unsure if he had a weapon or any illegal items in his car. I decided to leave the scene as I was in a hurry to drop my girlfriend at work and didn’t want any further trouble.”

However, the Honda Jazz continued to follow the Mazda and eventually crashed into the rear of the vehicle near the tunnel exit, causing the Honda to lose control, flip over, and obstruct the opposite lane. Fortunately, no oncoming vehicles were involved in the incident, reported KhaoSod.

Police detained Suwet and took him to Tha Phra Police Station. Suwet was allegedly holding a can of beer, appeared unstable and was unable to provide any coherent statement.

Initial alcohol breath tests showed no sign of alcohol. However, police prepared to conduct further blood tests at the hospital to confirm the presence of alcohol or any other substances, following which necessary legal actions will be taken.