Picture courtesy of แซ่บทุกเรื่อง เมืองพัทยา

 

A retired senior police officer and former political candidate was killed on when his Mercedes-Benz veered off the road and struck a tree in Chiang Mai province.

 

The fatal accident occurred near Ban Pa Tueng, Soi 14, in the Santisuk sub-district of Doi Lo. Emergency responders from the Sathararuamjai Rescue Unit were dispatched to the scene but were unable to save the driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

The deceased has been identified as Police Colonel Thanaphat Boontanbutr, 67, affectionately known as “Hia Ping.” He previously served as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5 and was also a former mayoral candidate for San Pa Tong Subdistrict Municipality.

 

Preliminary investigations indicate that Col. Thanaphat had been returning to his home in Yu Hua, San Pa Tong district, after attending a social gathering in Doi Lo. It is believed that he lost control of his vehicle, causing it to leave the road and crash violently into a tree.

 

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from แซ่บทุกเรื่อง เมืองพัทยา 2025-07-08

 

 

 

A retired Police Colonel with a Benz?