A 40-year-old mother has died and her two sons, aged 13 and nine, are critically injured after a pickup truck driven by a police officer struck their motorcycle in Kamphaeng Phet province. The driver, Police Sub-Lieutenant Kriangkrai Saengkham, 53, of Khlong Lan Police Station, admitted driving the pickup but denied drinking alcohol. A witness said she smelled alcohol and believed he appeared intoxicated. Mother dies after motorcycle struck from behind The crash involved Piyawadee, known as Nueng, who lived in Moo 13, Khlong Lan, Khlong Lan Phatthana subdistrict. According to a Facebook post made at 3.30pm on 19 July, the mother and her two sons were thrown in different directions after the collision. The mother was thrown into a drainage pipe, while the boys landed in the road. All three were initially seriously injured, but Piyawadee later died. At 10.30am on 19 July, her family held funeral rites at Wat Khlong Pla Ra Samakkhi Tham in Moo 14, Khlong Lan Phatthana. Kriangkrai attended to pay respects, provide money towards funeral arrangements and discuss support with relatives, village heads and community leaders present. He said the payment was for funeral costs only and separate from any further compensation. He said he would look after the family "in every aspect", including the children's schooling transport after their only motorcycle was damaged. Alcohol allegation remains unanswered Kriangkrai said the pickup had been travelling downhill when he lost control and hit the rear of the motorcycle. He said he stayed at the scene, helped the injured family and accepted responsibility. "I confirm that I had not consumed alcohol on the day of the incident," he said, adding that compensation would be discussed after the funeral. However, a 34-year-old witness, Sirina, said she had been driving in the opposite direction on 18 July when she saw the motorcycle travelling normally in its lane before the pickup moved over and hit it from behind. She said the pickup continued for about 300 metres before returning to the scene. She alleged the driver initially told her the motorcycle had cut in front of him, and said she could smell alcohol and that he seemed disoriented. The witness said both boys are being treated in the intensive care unit at Kamphaeng Phet Hospital, with the younger child reportedly needing continuous resuscitation at the scene. She said she would act as a witness because she feared the family might not receive justice. The older sisters of the injured boys, said they were worried about medical bills, their brothers' recovery and how the family would manage without their mother, who had been its main provider. The boys' uncle also raised concerns over their living costs and care. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? 20 July 2026
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