Ex-Soldier Petitions Government House Over 12-Year Crash Case

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

A former soldier has appealed to the government for justice after waiting more than 12 years for accountability in a fatal crash involving an official vehicle assigned to the Commander of the 31st Infantry Regiment (R.31 Roi Et). The incident, which occurred on 5 November 2014, left one person dead and two seriously injured, with no compensation or responsibility acknowledged to date. The petitioner, Sub Lt Dr Chao Chaoprateep, sought intervention at the Government Complaints Centre (1111) at Government House on 9 December 2025.

According to Dr Chao, he was severely injured when the commander’s staff car, marked with the Army’s wheel insignia and registration number 25994, crashed into his shop in Lopburi at around 22:00 on the night of the incident. He was found unconscious in the wreckage and suffered extensive injuries, including fractures to 10 ribs, his right arm, shoulder and leg, along with brain trauma and impaired lung function. His wife, Jeeranan Orak, sustained serious injuries to her head and shoulder, while his subordinate, Thidarat Jongopklang, was killed.

The crash occurred outside the Chao Silp shop at 889, Moo 6, Thale Chup Son subdistrict in Mueang district, Lopburi, where Dr Chao was working on signage ordered by R.31 Roi Et for placement at the unit’s entrance. The impact destroyed the shop and damaged an inkjet printer and three motorcycles. Dr Chao said the injuries left him bedridden for an extended period, requiring ongoing physical rehabilitation and he has never regained his former physical capability.

Dr Chao stated that no party has accepted responsibility for medical costs, damages or compensation for the deceased and injured. He added that he had faced pressure from superior officers to settle the matter, file reports and avoid speaking to the media. He resigned before reaching retirement age on 1 May 2025 and resumed attempts to pursue justice, noting that his initial complaint, filed on 1 September 2014, has remained unresolved for 12 years and 1 month.

Thaitabloid reported he emphasised that he had served the 31st Infantry Regiment since Recruit Intake 1/43 and was officially appointed in 2003, working continuously on signage and graphic design tasks without days off and often under urgent deadlines. He expressed hope that senior officials would “provide fairness” to junior personnel and acknowledge responsibility, stating that the vehicle involved was a government-owned car. He said he now seeks proper redress for the shop damage, the fatality and the long-term injuries sustained.

Key Takeaways

• A former soldier is seeking government intervention after 12 years with no accountability for a fatal crash involving an official military vehicle.

• The incident killed one, injured two others and caused extensive property damage at a Lopburi shop.

• The petitioner alleges pressure from superiors to remain silent and is requesting overdue compensation and responsibility.

 Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-10