Teen driver kills two teachers, injures head monk

KRABI: A 17-year-old was charged with reckless driving causing death after the car he was driving collided with a van, killing two teachers and severely injuring a head monk in Krabi yesterday afternoon.

Three teachers from Kanchanapisek Wittayalai School, as well as Phra Kru Sri Thammawutti, head of Wat Phokha Chuthamas and Lord Abbot of Muang Krabi District Buddhist Monastery, were in a van preparing to make a u-turn when the teen’s Honda Civic hit them from behind, confirmed Lt Col Danaithon Jaisabai of the Khlong Thom Police.

“Peerapit Pairot, 45 and Saorn Nhuin, 30, were pronounced dead on arrival at Krabi Hospital, while Phra Kru Sri Thammawutti underwent surgery for broken hips,” said Col Danaithon. “The van’s driver, Manit Buapetch, 40, and the 17-year-old received only minor injuries.”

Mr Manit told police that he and the other teachers went out to lunch and then picked up Phra Kru Sri Thammawutti to teach an afternoon Buddhist class.

The teenager, who police declined to name, was taken to the Khlong Thom Police Station.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong