Driver Surrenders After Dragging Victim Over 1 Km in Fatal Hit-and-Run

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

The driver of a white car involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Phuket, has surrendered to police, confessing to drinking beer prior to the crash and fleeing the scene out of panic. Authorities have charged him with multiple serious offenses.

 

The incident occurred in the early hours of December 14. At approximately 03:20 Thalang Police Station received reports of a collision involving a Honda motorcycle with license plate from Phang Nga Province. The motorcycle was found abandoned on Srisoonthorn Road in Sri Soonthorn Subdistrict, Thalang District. The rider, later identified as 22-year-old Mr. Kulchat, was discovered dead over 1 kilometre away in the Cherng Talay area, having been dragged along the road by the fleeing vehicle.

 

Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect vehicle as a white Toyota Yaris with license plate registered in Phuket. The driver, 41-year-old Mr. Watchara, was contacted by police and instructed to surrender himself along with the vehicle.

 

At around 10:00 on December 14, Mr. Watchara arrived at Thalang Police Station, bringing the white Yaris involved in the collision. Investigators seized the vehicle for forensic examination to collect evidence of the crash.

 

During questioning, Mr. Watchara admitted to being the driver of the vehicle. He stated that on December 13, at approximately 22:00, he was drinking beer with friends at a residence in Sri Soonthorn Subdistrict. He consumed one bottle of beer and left around 02:00 to drive home in Cherng Talay.

 

As he reached the Bang Jo intersection and turned onto Srisoonthorn Road, his car collided with the victim’s motorcycle. Mr. Watchara claimed he panicked and fled the scene, unaware that the victim’s body had become lodged under his vehicle. He then drove back to a friend’s house in Bang Maruan, where he stayed until police contacted him later that morning.

 

Police conducted an alcohol test on Mr. Watchara through a breathalyzer and sent him for a blood alcohol test at a hospital. He has been charged with “reckless driving causing death” and “fleeing the scene without providing assistance or reporting the incident to authorities.”

 

The investigation continues as police gather further evidence to present the case in court.

 

-- 2024-12-15

 

 

[watchcat]

56 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

He stated that on December 13, at approximately 22:00, he was drinking beer with friends at a residence in Sri Soonthorn Subdistrict. He consumed one bottle of beer and left around 02:00

 

4 hours to drink 1 beer, yeah right,