Accident Tragedy in Sa Kaeo: Elderly Couple Killed in Hit-and-Run

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Photo via Facebook/ โมเดิร์น โมเดิร์น

 

In a heartbreaking incident in Sa Kaeo's Isaan province, an elderly Thai couple lost their lives on Sunday, July 27, in a hit-and-run crash while fleeing border clashes. The couple, travelling on a sidecar motorcycle, were struck by an SUV on a road in Ta Phraya district. The elderly woman died at the scene, and her husband, although transported to hospital, later succumbed to his injuries.

 

The SUV driver fled, abandoning a number plate at the scene, which allowed police to trace and detain the vehicle. Arrested was a Thai driver along with six Cambodian nationals suspected of entering Thailand illegally. Reports indicate that the driver was speeding to smuggle these undocumented migrants across the border.

 

In a twist of fate, the deceased couple's eldest son serves with the Royal Thai Paramilitary Force, stationed in Si Sa Ket province, near the Thai-Cambodian border. Another son shared on Channel 7 that their parents were attempting to relocate 16 kilometres away to a relative’s home in Sa Kaeo for safety, a journey they tragically did not complete.

 

The driver of the SUV has not been publicly identified. However, he faces several serious charges:

 

1. Reckless Behaviour Causing Death (Section 291 of the Criminal Law): This charge carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 Thai Baht, or both.
2. Failing to Stop and Assist (Section 78 of the Land Transport Act): Penalties include up to six months' imprisonment or a fine between 5,000 and 20,000 Thai Baht, or both.
3. Facilitating Illegal Entry (Section 63 of the Immigration Act): The driver faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 Thai Baht for assisting illegal immigration.

 

Police have vowed to pursue the investigation further to uncover and apprehend additional participants in the human trafficking network. The tragedy underscores ongoing challenges along the Thai-Cambodian border, where illegal border crossings have heightened tensions and led to increased enforcement.

 

The incident has sparked conversations around road safety and illegal immigration, with many urging for stricter controls and safer transport options for those near conflict zones. It’s a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those caught in tumultuous border situations and the dire consequences of illegal activities.

 

As more details emerge, the broader implications for local enforcement and cross-border relations will likely become central to discussions moving forward. The community mourns not only for the lost lives but also for the continued hardships faced by those living in border regions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The 2025-07-29