LAMPANG, THAILAND – Prosecutors in northern Thailand said a fatal rear-end crash involving an 18-wheel truck could lead to up to ten years in prison and potential civil liability for the driver’s employer.
Serious crash at the start of Songkran
The collision occurred on 11 April, at the start of the Songkran holiday travel period, on the Phahonyothin Road (Tak–Lampang route) towards Lampang. Near the entrance to Mae-Wa National Park in Thoen district, the 18-wheel tractor-trailer slammed into a line of vehicles and damaged a total of nine cars.
Two people, a man and a woman travelling in a sedan, died at the scene after the truck hit their car and pushed it to the side, trapping them inside. Ten others were injured, including a girl who was seriously hurt, four people with moderate injuries and five with minor injuries; the seriously injured girl was taken to Thoen Hospital.
Prosecutors examine negligent homicide charges
Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, director-general of the Office of Legal Protection and Aid for the People at the public prosecutor’s office, said investigators had to examine suspected negligent driving causing death and property damage. He referred to Section 291 of the Thai Criminal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to ten years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht.
The driver claimed the brakes had failed, but this assertion remained under investigation. Prosecutors stressed that it was the driver’s duty to check the condition of the vehicle, especially when operating a heavy truck.
Brake failure claim under investigation
According to the account given to authorities, the driver maintained that defective brakes caused the crash. Investigators were now tasked with determining whether this claim was true based on technical inspections and collected evidence.
Prosecutors underlined that routine safety checks were a key responsibility of any truck operator. They indicated that any confirmed failure to ensure a roadworthy condition could weigh heavily in assessing negligence and potential criminal liability.
Civil compensation and maintenance claims
Alongside the criminal case, the prosecution highlighted possible civil claims for compensation. These could cover funeral costs for the deceased, property damage and the replacement of lost maintenance payments for dependants.
In fatal cases, support for surviving children and other affected relatives could become part of civil demands that must be proven in court. The court would examine documentation and testimony to decide the scope and amount of compensation.
Employer may share liability
Civil liability might not be limited to the driver alone, prosecutors said. If the truck belonged to a company, the owner or employer could also be held jointly liable under rules on employer responsibility for employees’ actions.
Which specific claims would be enforceable in this case would ultimately be decided by the court on the basis of evidence and witness statements. The shared focus on both criminal responsibility and compensation aimed to address the broader consequences of the crash.
Prosecutors offer free support to families
The Office of Legal Protection and Aid stated that it was supporting victims and bereaved families. The report particularly mentioned the mother of one of the deceased, who now had to take responsibility for a grandchild.
Affected persons could contact the provincial prosecutor’s office responsible for their area of residence. Applications could be submitted within the criminal proceedings so that the court could consider civil claims together with the criminal case.