Outcry After Drunk Government Hospital Driver Crashes While on Duty – Victim Demands Justice

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

A government hospital official in Saraburi is facing serious allegations after crashing a government-issued vehicle while reportedly drunk on duty, prompting public outrage and calls for accountability. The incident was captured on a dashboard camera and shared on social media by the victim’s wife, who is seeking justice and fair compensation for the damage caused.

The viral clip, posted on TikTok by user yui_amonwan789, shows a white government pickup truck, marked as belonging to the Ministry of Public Health, suddenly speeding out of a side road and crashing forcefully into a car, slamming it into a wall. The post included the caption: “How should we deal with a government officer who drinks and drives while on duty? Still no responsibility taken. Where can we file complaints?”

Following the collision, a breathalyser test reportedly revealed the driver had a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit. Despite the incident occurring while the official was allegedly on duty, no formal compensation or disciplinary action had been taken.

Reporters later met with the car’s owner, Dr. Natthawut, a forensic pathologist at a local hospital and his wife, Amolwan, the TikTok user. The couple showed footage from the incident, photos of the extensive damage to their vehicle, and evidence from the crash site, including a beer bottle and spilled liquid near the gear shift in the official’s car.

Amolwan explained her motivation behind the public post: “He’s a government health official, someone who should lead by example. Drinking and driving while on duty is completely unacceptable. We’re always told not to drink and drive. But how can citizens trust a system when those tasked with public health break the law themselves?”

She added that the compensation offered was insulting. “They offered us just 40,000 baht. That’s not even close to the car’s value, not to mention its emotional worth to us. This car was still in excellent condition and could have lasted many more years. It feels like we’ve been dismissed, like our loss means nothing.”

Dr. Natthawut recounted the crash, which occurred on 12 July as he was driving home from a car repair shop. “Out of nowhere, the pickup truck sped out of a side road and smashed into me. The airbags deployed, my glasses flew off and I was dazed. The car was badly damaged and slammed into a wall.”

He continued, “The other driver appeared dazed and spoke slowly. When I approached his car, I smelled alcohol and found a beer bottle inside. I called the police immediately and notified my insurance company. It turned out he was a government hospital staff member on duty at the time.”

Despite the seriousness of the incident and the evidence of alcohol use, the response from the driver’s organisation has been minimal. According to the couple, a senior nurse called once to check on Dr. Natthawut’s condition and later delivered a fruit basket. No clear response was given to their request for a replacement vehicle or fair compensation.

Dr. Natthawut added, “This wasn’t just reckless, it was a blatant violation of both the law and public trust. As a representative of the Ministry of Public Health, he should be held to the highest standards. But now we’re left in the dark, carrying the financial and emotional burden.”

The couple is now urging relevant government agencies to intervene and hold the official accountable. They also hope the case will become a precedent to prevent such behaviour in the future, especially from those entrusted with public welfare.

For now, they continue to wait for a formal apology and meaningful restitution.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Komchadluek 2025-07-24