Phuket student faces charges for running down officer

PHUKET: A speeding student who ran down a Phuket police officer yesterday in an attempt to avoid a helmet check is facing two, possibly three, separate charges for his actions.

The 17-year-old, whose name is being withheld, knocked Sen Sgt Maj Chakkapong Korsawat of the Phuket City Police unconscious on Nakhon Road, behind Phuket Wittayalai School, at about 7:35am (story here).

“We have charged the student with driving without a helmet and driving without a licence,” Phuket City Police Superintendent Sermphan Sirikong told the Phuket Gazette.

“We are also considering adding another charge, either reckless driving causing injury or intentionally harming a police officer. We will also press charges against the parents for allowing the child to operate a motorbike without a driver’s licence.”

Col Sermphan confirmed that the student tested negative for drugs and alcohol, and that no illegal items were found inside the motorbike.

Meanwhile, Sgt Chakkapong is awake and recovering at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

“Sgt Chakkapong is getting better. He is able to talk and do things on his own,” explained Col Sermphan.

“However, he must remain under observation at the hospital. He ruptured an eardrum during the accident and is still bleeding from the ear.”

Medical checks confirmed that Sgt Chakkapong suffered no other injuries, confirmed Col Sermphan.

“However, at this stage, we do not know when he will discharged from the hospital,” he added.

— Woranut Pechdee