Van Runs Red Light, Crashes into Motorcycle, Killing Rider on the Spot

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from dash-cam.

 

A crash occurred when a van carrying passengers back from a merit-making and meditation trip ran a red light and crashed into a motorcycle, killing the rider instantly.

 

The collision took place at around 23:00 on the night of 15 December at a four-way intersection near the Public Health Office in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province. Police Lieutenant Chai Thong Wintachai, Deputy Inspector of Suwannaphum Police Station, was alerted to the incident and coordinated with the on-call doctor from Suwannaphum Hospital and local rescue volunteers to respond to the scene.

 

At the site, a heavily damaged orange Honda motorcycle was found. Nearby lay the body of the rider, identified as Mr. Thawatchai, 29 years old. His face sustained severe injuries.

 

Approximately 40 metres away, a white Toyota Commuter van with license plates from Amnat Charoen Province was parked on the roadside. The van had noticeable damage, including a shattered side passenger window. The driver, Mr. Onchan, 50 years old, admitted to operating the van at the time of the collision.

 

Initial investigations and footage from a dashboard camera of a bystander revealed that Mr. Onchan was driving the van carrying 12 passengers back from a meditation retreat in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. When approaching the intersection, the van moved into the far-left lane, typically reserved for left turns, and turned on its hazard lights while proceeding straight through the red light.

 

Simultaneously, Mr. Thawatchai was riding his motorcycle through a green light from the left-hand side of the intersection. This led to a violent collision with the left side of the van, resulting in Mr. Thawatchai’s immediate death.

 

Police have taken Mr. Onchan into custody and charged him with reckless driving causing death. Investigations are ongoing.

 

-- 2024-12-17

 

 

[JoePai]

Remember chaps, traffic lights are only advisory in Thailand !

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the van moved into the far-left lane, typically reserved for left turns, and turned on its hazard lights while proceeding straight through the red light.

 

The F-wit ran the light on purpose.

Another case of 'my van is bigger and more important - they can wait for me'?

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

. When approaching the intersection, the van moved into the far-left lane, typically reserved for left turns, and turned on its hazard lights while proceeding straight through the red light.

A deliberate act causing death.... manslaughter.

[Richardsamui]

Reckless driving?

This is called man slaughter or murder

[lordgrinz]

6 hours ago, JoePai said:

Remember chaps, traffic lights are only advisory in Thailand !

 

So are Stop Signs, actually, Stop signs are ignored completely here.

[fdimike]

Traffic laws as well as most other laws here in Thailand are a joke as there's very little enforcement.

[BangkokReady]

12 hours ago, JoePai said:

Remember chaps, traffic lights are only advisory in Thailand !

 

You should always slow down and check that the way is clear, even if you're on a green.

[NorthernRyland]

The great mystery to me is why so many Thai people drive so desperately. It's like they have the emotional development of a teenager. It's actually very disturbing to me especially after seeing it for so many years.

[still kicking]

Just got back from LOS and I must say everyone in my family is a very safe driver nobody ever run a red light even the van driver we hired many times (friend of family) is a superb driver.

[lordgrinz]

6 hours ago, fdimike said:

Traffic laws as well as most other laws here in Thailand are a joke as there's very little enforcement.

 

There is NO enforcement.

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

The great mystery to me is why so many Thai people drive so desperately. It's like they have the emotional development of a teenager. It's actually very disturbing to me especially after seeing it for so many years.

 

Not even teenagers, it's like walking into a room and handing licenses and keys to 10 year old children.

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, BangkokReady said:

 

You should always slow down and check that the way is clear, even if you're on a green.

 And risk getting rear ended by the tailgaters?

[Confuscious]

8 hours ago, Richardsamui said:

Reckless driving?

This is called man slaughter or murder

Depends on the amouts of cash in the enveloppes (donation to the police coprs).

[BangkokReady]

28 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 And risk getting rear ended by the tailgaters?

 

You should be checking your mirrors for tailgaters and getting away from them.  (And I said slow down, not stop.)

[cheerz]

When will Thai Government mandate driving education for all drivers. Road rules don't apply so easy to drive a vehicle, but drive to road rules not done. Driver education badly needed 

[Briggsy]

Long jail sentence necessary for this. He might do 6 months but only if he can't pay off the family of the deceased. The police will encourage them to take what is offered. 😟

[Barnet1900]

On 12/17/2024 at 3:06 PM, fdimike said:

Traffic laws as well as most other laws here in Thailand are a joke as there's very little enforcement.

Agreed entirely. The only thing I'd question is why a 50 year old man who drives for a living can't decide for himself to obey rules, police or no police.

 

There are always people making excuses or comparisons for these scumbags. I wouldn't lose sleep if one of them was made an example of and never saw the light of day again.