Ex-Official Gets 2 Years Jail for Fatal Drunk-Driving Crash

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A former provincial agriculturist has been sentenced to two years in prison without suspension for causing a fatal road crash while driving under the influence of alcohol. The crash, which occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima on 23 December 2024, claimed the lives of a police officer and a young boy. Relatives of the victims have vowed to appeal for a harsher penalty.

On 15 September 2025, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court delivered its ruling in criminal case number อ.295/2568. The defendant, Mr Somsak Asraijao, 75, was charged with causing death and serious injury through reckless and intoxicated driving. The charges were filed under Sections 291 and 300 of the Criminal Code and the 1979 Land Traffic Act.

The court heard that on the afternoon of 23 December 2024, Mr Somsak was driving a silver Honda CR-V, registration from Nakhon Ratchasima, on Highway 226 near kilometre marker 1+450 in Phet Matukla. He was returning home to Chaloem Phra Kiat district with a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit. He lost control of the car and crashed into a motorcycle, a car and pedestrians outside Ban Don Khwang School in Hua Thale subdistrict.

The collision killed Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho, deputy traffic inspector of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima police station, who had been escorting students across the road. Also killed was a young pupil, Master Atsadawut Phiusuai, a kindergarten student at Ban Don Khwang School. Ten others were injured in the incident.

The court ruled that the defendant had committed a single act that violated several laws and imposed the heaviest applicable penalty. He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, reduced to two years due to his confession. The court also revoked his driving licence.

After the verdict, relatives of Lt Vimut said they would pursue an appeal for a heavier sentence and additional civil claims. Ms Waruwan, one of the family members, said in tears that the two-year sentence was insufficient given the scale of loss. She urged stricter enforcement, noting that “a split-second decision to drink and drive destroyed lives that can never be replaced.”

The family has already consulted lawyer Mr Phattharaphong Wannaphong to prepare the appeal. They plan to challenge the penalty and seek further damages through civil proceedings. The case is expected to continue in the appeals court in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• A former provincial agriculturist was sentenced to two years in prison for a fatal drink-driving crash.

• The crash killed a police officer and a young boy in Nakhon Ratchasima on 23 December 2024.

• Victims’ families plan to appeal for a harsher penalty and pursue civil action.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-16