UPDATE

Picture from responders

 

The devastating road crash in front of Don Khwang School on Phet Matukala Road in Hua Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, has claimed two lives and injured several others. Among the fatalities was Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho, 57, a traffic officer from Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station, who was performing his duties at the time of the incident.

 

The driver responsible for the crash has been identified as Somsak Asaraijao, 75, a retired civil servant and former provincial agricultural officer in Nong Khai. A breathalyser test revealed that his blood alcohol level was 197 milligrams per cent, well over the legal limit.

 

On December 24, Pol Maj Gen Narongrit Dansuwan, Commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, announced that the driver will face severe legal consequences. Somsak has been charged with drink driving causing death and serious injury, offences that carry severe penalties.

 

The penalty for drink driving resulting in death includes 3 to 10 years’ imprisonment, fines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and permanent revocation of the driving licence. Meanwhile, drink driving causing serious injury carries a sentence of 2 to 6 years in prison, fines between 40,000 and 120,000 baht, and a minimum one-year suspension or permanent revocation of the driving licence.

 

Somsak has been discharged from the hospital and is now in police custody at Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station. His relatives have sought to post bail, but authorities have denied the request. Investigations are ongoing, and police plan to seek court approval to detain him further.

 

Police Lt Vimut, who tragically died while on duty, is being honoured by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police. His family will receive full support, including a promotion of three salary steps and a posthumous rank elevation from Police Lieutenant to Police Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that prior to the accident, Somsak had been drinking with friends at a restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima City. He was driving home to Chaloem Phra Kiat District at high speed when the crash occurred. He claims to have no recollection of the events leading to the crash.

 

The case has caused widespread outrage, with authorities vowing to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1347009-police-officer-student-killed-11-injured-in-school-crash-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

 

Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho
 

-- 2024-12-25

 

Drunk x police officer not a good mix