Navy officer charged with drink-driving after Chon Buri crash
Chaos erupted on Sukhumvit Road in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district when a drunken navy officer crashed his car, only to have armed soldiers show up demanding his release.
Lieutenant Commander Kriangsak Taeklang allegedly smashed his white Toyota Vios into a brown Honda City driven by Tharanya, damaging the rear right side of the vehicle. Police arriving at the scene found Kriangsak visibly intoxicated.
As officers prepared to take him to the station for a breathalyser test, a pickup truck marked with the Navy’s Air and Coastal Defence Command (ACDC) arrived, carrying six armed soldiers wielding M16 rifles. The soldiers attempted to take control of the situation, but police proceeded to escort Kriangsak and two privates who were with him to Plutaluang Police Station.
At the station, the armed soldiers demanded Kriangsak and the two privates be released for military disciplinary action. Police refused and conducted a breath alcohol test, revealing Kriangsak’s blood alcohol level was 167 mg%, well over the legal limit. He was charged with drink-driving and detained, pending a court appearance at Pattaya Provincial Court.
The two privates were released to the custody of the armed soldiers for further investigation and disciplinary measures within their command.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the military’s attempt to interfere with legal proceedings. Locals have expressed concerns over accountability and the influence of military power in civilian matters.
Police confirmed that legal action would proceed against Kriangsak without interference, ensuring justice is served despite attempts at military intervention, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, an officer from the provincial administrative organisation in Chumphon province is under investigation for allegedly misusing a government vehicle for personal purposes, resulting in a car accident.
The black Nissan Terra SUV, reportedly used as the officer’s personal car without any official insignia, was involved in the incident after a politician’s birthday party in Mueang district, Chumphon.
While driving back, the officer crashed into a roadside tree in Saphli subdistrict, Pathio district, causing severe damage to the vehicle. The front was crumpled up to the engine, and both right-side tyres burst.
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