Bank employee surrenders over Phuket hit-and-run

PHUKET: The bank employee involved in a lethal hit-and-run in central Phuket late last month has surrendered himself to police.

Chaowarot Jantarak, 38, was wanted by police after witnesses saw his car hit security guard Jarin Weenada, 21, who died at the scene (story here).

Officers arrived at Mr Chaowarot’s house in the Neramit Housing Estate in Pa Khlok within the hour, and found his car, with matching damage, parked in front of the house. Mr Chaowarot, however, had fled.

“He has been charged with negligent driving causing death,” Thalang Police case investigator Chatree Chuwichian told the Phuket Gazette.

“He told us that he did not see Mr Jarin’s motorcycle at the time of the accident,” he added.

Sub Lt Chatree explained that Mr Chaowarot had agreed to pay compensation to Mr Jarin’s widow, but declined to reveal any details of the compensation agreed.

“The two parties reached an agreement and I am still working on closing the case,” Lt Chatree said.

— Orawin Narabal