Reckless BMW driver shifts blame in viral pickup pile-up crash
The aggressive BMW driver captured in a viral video intentionally ramming into a pickup, arrogantly insisted that both he and the injured pickup driver were at fault, the public disagrees.
The incident occurred on the Bangkok Outer Ring Road motorway in Pathum Thani and quickly gained public attention after the Facebook page Here on Board (เฮียขับรถ) shared multiple dashcam videos of the collision.
Online users overwhelmingly agreed that the BMW driver, later identified as 28 year old Smiththipat “Peach” Leenawarat, was to blame. He was seen on video repeatedly attempting to cut in front of the pickup before ultimately colliding with it, forcing the pickup into a traffic barrier.
The 65 year old pickup driver, Prachak Duangyai, suffered broken ribs, while his 64 year old wife, Somsri Duangyai, who was seated beside him, sustained minor injuries. Prachak reportedly remains in a hospital in critical condition, and Somsri is said to be suffering trauma.
It is confirmed that Peach is the son of Kritsada Leenawarat, a powerful local politician in Pathum Thani. Peach recently stood for election as a candidate for the Thanya Buri Municipal Council.
Despite public outcry over Peach’s reckless driving, Kritsada defended his son in a media interview, claiming that he is normally a careful driver.
He added that he would review all available CCTV footage of the incident and allow his son to be punished if found to be at fault.
Peach later gave a brief phone interview to Matichon on April 17, in which he reiterated that both he and the pickup driver were in the wrong.
“I would like everyone to watch all the footage. The dashcam videos that initially circulated may cause misunderstandings, suggesting I was solely at fault. There is another video that explains why I had to drive that way.”
Peach claimed he was driving in the right lane after passing a toll booth when the pickup, travelling in the middle lane, suddenly veered into his lane and hit the front of his car. He said he attempted to signal the driver to pull over for a discussion, but the driver refused.
While admitting that his actions were inappropriate, Peach added that his father would ensure the injured driver was well taken care of. He also announced plans to hold a press conference to clarify the incident.
Here on Board continued to share footage mentioned by Peach, but many social media users rejected Peach’s explanation. Commenters pointed out that the pickup had entered the lane ahead of BMW and that Peach should have slowed down to let it pass instead of speeding up.
Others argued that no matter who was at fault, Peach should not have escalated the situation into road rage. Some users noted that the elderly couple had already apologised to Peach and urged him to let the matter rest.
The page shared another video showing Peach arguing with other motorists who came to assist the old couple.
He mentioned his father’s political power in the argument, raising concerns that Prachak and Somsri may not receive the justice due to Peach’s influential family and political connections.
Peach ran for office under the Thanya Kaona Party (meaning Thanya Move Forward Party), following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Manassanan Leenawarat, a Member of Parliament (MP) with the Pheu Thai Party.
The family’s close ties to leading politicians were underscored when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, attended Peach’s ordination ceremony last year, 2024.
Amid mounting public concern, social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet announced that he would intervene to ensure the case is handled fairly.
Posting on Facebook, he pledged to seek justice regardless of Peach’s status, citing past instances where he helped bring powerful, aggressive individuals to justice.
In response to the controversy, Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Danuporn Punnakanta clarified that Peach is not a member of the party and urged the public not to involve Paetongtarn or Thaksin in the matter. He also expressed sympathy for the victims.
The Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Kitrat Phanphet, also spoke out strongly against the BMW driver.
“I’ve watched the video and found the BMW driver’s behaviour disgusting. This should not be happening in Thai society. I’m appalled that there are still drivers like this on our roads. What if there had been children in the car?
He not only broke the law but also showed no remorse. Boasting about his powerful connections is a sign of immaturity. I would not help him even if he were my son. Everyone must be equal under the law.”
According to officers from the Highway Police and Lam Luk Ka Police Station, Peach will be summoned to face two charges: physical assault and causing damage to another’s property. It remains unclear whether Prachak will also face any charges.
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