KO CHANG, THAILAND – A Royal Thai Navy driver fatally struck a 62-year-old hotel owner while he was exercising on Ko Chang and later turned himself in to police, who accused him of drunk driving and fleeing the scene.
Hotel owner killed on New Year’s morning
Police said the crash occurred in Ko Chang district of Trat province, when a white Honda Civic with Rayong licence plates hit pedestrian Damrongchai Chewasukha, locally known as Dr. Tai. The 62-year-old, owner of the Doo Talay Ko Chang hotel, had been out walking and exercising when the vehicle hit him, and he died at the scene.
According to investigators, the driver initially left the crash site. He later surrendered to authorities and was identified as a member of the Royal Thai Navy stationed in Ko Chang district.
High alcohol reading and serious charges
On 2 January 2026, Police Colonel Kritsada Minsen, head of Ko Chang Police Station, reported on the status of the investigation. An alcohol test on the navy driver showed a level of 126 milligrams of alcohol, according to Minsen.
“The driver is a navy member at a centre in Ko Chang district. After the accident, he turned himself in and confessed to fatally hitting the pedestrian,”
said Minsen, police chief.
Police opened two major charges: driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a person’s death by operating a motor vehicle. Minsen noted that the criminal case fell within the period of intensified New Year traffic controls.
Possible navy discipline and civilian court trial
On potential disciplinary action, the police chief said any measures against the navy member would be decided internally by the relevant naval unit.
“Regarding the allegation of drunk driving causing death, the police will complete the investigation file and forward the case to the public prosecutor at Trat Provincial Court for indictment, in order to make it a model case,”
said Minsen, adding that the aim was to set a legal example.
In civil law, the driver would be required to compensate for the damage and negotiate directly with the victim’s relatives.
Police tighten traffic controls on the island
Given the high number of visitors in the peak season, Ko Chang Police Station announced tougher traffic enforcement on the island. According to Minsen, officers set up three checkpoints every day—morning, afternoon and evening—to prevent further accidents.
Many tourists travel to Ko Chang during this period and rent motorcycles or cars to explore the island. Police view this as an increased risk and said they would strictly enforce compliance with traffic regulations.
Funeral rites at Wat Khlong Son
Funeral ceremonies for Damrongchai Chewasukha were scheduled at Wat Khlong Son in Ko Chang subdistrict, Ko Chang district, Trat province. Evening rites and the subsequent cremation were to be held there, with family, friends and colleagues of the hotelier in attendance.