The Metropolitan Police Bureau chief has ordered an urgent investigation after a 21-year-old woman died at a Bangkok police station following a motorcycle crash. The incident has drawn criticism from the victim’s family, who claim rescue workers failed to take her to hospital. Police say the case will be examined thoroughly to ensure fairness to all parties involved.
Get today's headlines by email 
The case involves Warisara Pongkamla, 21, who reportedly crashed her motorcycle on 20 February 2025. According to her family, rescue workers brought her to Phahonyothin Police Station instead of taking her to hospital, even though she was unconscious. She later died at the station, and a medical examination found broken ribs, bleeding in her lungs and other internal injuries.
The family subsequently filed a complaint with the Sai Mai Must Survive campaign group, alleging that the investigation has made little progress since they reported the case to Phahonyothin police. The complaint has raised questions about whether rescue workers and police followed proper procedures when responding to the incident.
Speaking at the Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters on 9 March 2026, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom expressed condolences to the victim’s family. He said he had ordered Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthana, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, to investigate all aspects of the case. This includes reviewing the actions of Phahonyothin police officers and any assistance or compensation provided.
Lt Gen Siam said investigators have already questioned several individuals connected to the incident. Maj Gen Kiatikul is personally reviewing the case file, particularly concerns raised by the victim’s relatives about delays in the investigation. A formal inquiry committee has been established to ensure a fair review.
Police said officers were initially informed by telephone that a woman had fallen from a motorcycle. Rescue personnel responded and assessed her condition based on minor visible injuries, reportedly believing she appeared intoxicated and unable to identify herself.
Rescuers then transported her to Phahonyothin Police Station and informed officers she seemed intoxicated. Police allowed her to rest in a public waiting area while officers checked the motorcycle and attempted to contact relatives to take her home.
Lt Gen Siam said the woman was still able to speak when she arrived at the station and had only minor external injuries. Officers later noticed she had fallen asleep, after which rescue personnel were called to reassess her condition. They found her pulse weakening and when it stopped, performed CPR and transferred her to hospital, but she later died.
The police chief acknowledged concerns about whether the response was appropriate and said investigators would examine whether procedures were followed correctly. The inquiry will determine whether rescue workers or police officers failed to carry out their duties.
Khaosod reported he also confirmed that the national police chief had been informed of the case and expressed concern about the situation. Authorities will analyse the incident to determine whether emergency cases such as this should always be taken directly to hospital.
Original story
Crash-victim-taken-to-police-station-dies-of-hidden-injuries
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 10 Mar 2026