KAMPHAENG PHET, Thailand – A drunk village chief killed two teenagers in a horror crash then tried to drive off. A 14-year-old girl died at the scene, a 19-year-old man later in hospital.
The 45-year-old driver first smashed into an oncoming pick-up near a 7-Eleven. He sped across a bridge instead of stopping – then ploughed into a motorcycle carrying the two victims.
Pick-up keeps going after collision
The crash happened on August 10 at 8.10pm on the road between Pa Phutsa and Saen To, on a bridge in Kamphaeng Phet province. Police said the driver hit the first vehicle, then kept driving.
After hitting the motorcycle, the pick-up slammed into a power pole and narrowly missed a noodle stall at the roadside. The driver did not stop at any point.
Two young lives cut short
The 14-year-old girl from Khanu Woralaksaburi district died at the crash site. She suffered fatal injuries on impact. The 19-year-old man was rushed to hospital but died later from his wounds.
The family said the teenagers were about to leave on an educational trip to Suphan Buri. The girl was picking up the young man on the motorcycle – she had only been on the road a few minutes when the pick-up hit them.
Driver appeared drunk after crash
Witnesses said the driver of the silver Mitsubishi Triton seemed confused and drunk right after the crash. It later emerged he is the village chief in Khanu Woralaksaburi district.
Police did not release him. They took him straight to the Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Court for pre-trial detention. A blood alcohol test was done – results were not yet available.
Police throw three charges at village chief
Investigators charged the village chief with negligent driving causing death. He also faces charges of causing damage to people or property, and failing to stop and render aid after the crash.
After the detention hearing, the 45-year-old got out on bail. He refused to talk to media, according to the report.
Families demand a fair trial
The families of the two victims went to the media demanding a fair process. Social media users asked whether local politicians might have tried to cover up the case. Relatives said they fear powerful people are backing the accused.
The family of the 19-year-old said they have received only 10,000 Baht for the funeral. His grandmother, who raised him from childhood, urged the police to investigate without interference.
Families struggle with funeral costs
The relatives of the 14-year-old girl are grieving at Wat Pho Si in Khanu Woralaksaburi district. The family is financially struggling – the girl’s father is deaf and has difficulty communicating.
A 67-year-old relative said the family first thought the girl had just gone out to buy something. Only later did they learn she was heading off on the educational trip with friends.
Governor orders disciplinary probe
On August 12, the Governor of Kamphaeng Phet, Chatip Rujanaseri, set up an investigation committee for a serious disciplinary violation. The district chief of Khanu Woralaksaburi was told to suspend the village chief immediately.
The village chief must leave his post at once. A new election will be held for the vacated position.