Fugitive Driver In Bangkok-Chon Buri Van Crash Surrenders

[webfact]

ACCIDENT

Driver in van crash surrenders

NOPPADOL SRITHAWEEKARD,

JESSADA CHANTARARAK,

KHANITTHA THEPPAJON

THE NATION

Somboon Thansa-ard, the fugitive driver of the public-transport van that crashed into a semi-trailer on the Bangkok-Chon Buri motorway in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district Friday, killing six passengers and injuring seven, turned himself in to police yesterday.

The driver of the Mor Chit Bus Terminal-Chachoengsao van had been wanted for reckless driving causing death, injury and property damage, and for fleeing the scene without helping victims or presenting himself to police, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a Bt20,000 fine. He was introduced to media at a conference at 4.30pm by Highway Police 8 superintendent Pol Col Thanawat Wattanakul. Two injured passengers, Somkiat Boonma, 33, and Chairat Sosan, 34, were also present.

The 39-year-old Somboon said the accident took place after the New Year Festival, during which transport-van drivers had been working hard. He said that while driving his van, which had 13 Chachoengsao-bound passengers, in the left lane, he dozed off behind wheel. He woke up to see the van speeding towards the rear of the trailer and wasn't able to brake in time.

Somboon claimed he helped some of the injured before police and rescue workers arrived, but was so shocked at what had happened that he walked away from the scene, then fled to his girlfriend's home 2km away in Chachoengsao's Bang Khla district.

He said he felt so guilty that he contacted the transport company to surrender himself yesterday. Urging fellow drivers to rest well before driving, he said that at the time he thought he could handle the trip, although he slept only 3 or 4 hours the previous night due to stress from fighting on the phone with his girlfriend.

He apologised to the deceased passengers' families and said that, if possible, he wanted to be ordained as a monk for their merit for three months.

Police planned to request that Somboon be denied bail, saying he was a flight risk. Thanawat said the case report was now awaiting the results of a safety check on the van to see if the transport company would also be charged. The case should be ready for submission to court this week, the police officer said.

Somboon's comments were at odds with an earlier report by an informed source that Somboon's fellow van drivers had alleged Somboon didn't get enough sleep the night before the smash because he had gone out gambling.

After an earlier meeting on the case, Thanawat said police would ask the Highway Department and the Transport Ministry to install speed-detection cameras along the motorway, while Chachoengsao Transport (1971) manager Natthawat Kittikulpan said the firm gave Bt50,000 to the families of deceased passengers Wanthaya Klinhom and Sureeporn Charoendee and Bt20,000 to each of the seven injured.

Speaking at the Senate meeting yesterday, Senator Jetn Sirathranont urged the government get tough on inter-provincial transport vans and limit their maximum speed to 100km/hour. Saying that most vans had installed extra petrol tanks in the rear of the vehicles, causing the front of the vans to lift and making them harder to control at high speed, Jetn said van transport was popular due to its convenience, so the government should strictly check on its safety standards.

-- The Nation 2012-01-10

[OzMick]

" Jetn said van transport was popular due to its convenience......."

I have decided that dying prematurely would be VERY inconvenient.

[pedro01]

Walking away should be an offence. The guy could have been drunk but we'll never know...

[Moruya]

Scumbag driver.

Scumbag company.

It remains to be seen if the legal system falls into the same category.

[smutcakes]

Disregarding the fact he fled the scene which further increases the seriousness of this case, It will be interesting to see how this gentleman’s case is handled in comparison to the young ladies whose alleged reckless driving caused numerous deaths near Don Muang last year (or the other one who ran over a foreign worker). I am guessing that other than causing deaths by dangerous driving, that will be the end in the similarities of how the cases are handled. If this gentleman has a lawyer, they should point out the precedent set in that case as how he should be treated. (Obviously that would be worthless though)

[AndyKapp]

"It will be interesting to see how this gentleman’s case is handled in comparison to the young ladies whose alleged reckless driving caused numerous deaths near Don Muang last year (or the other one who ran over a foreign worker)"---Newbie

I remember those stories when the accidents happened, but I have no idea what happened afterwards. What were the results?

[smutcakes]

"It will be interesting to see how this gentleman’s case is handled in comparison to the young ladies whose alleged reckless driving caused numerous deaths near Don Muang last year (or the other one who ran over a foreign worker)"---Newbie

I remember those stories when the accidents happened, but I have no idea what happened afterwards. What were the results?

Likewise I am unsure, but I find it fairly likely that nothing has happened to the culprits, or they have taken an extended run in education abroad until its passed over. I am sure if they had been in court it would have been publicized, or at least we would know the results. To be honest perhaps they are still waiting for a trial of some description, so I could be doing the powers that be a disservice if what I am implying is not the case.

[noitom]

Thai private vans are death traps. "they installed extra petrol tanks" - can you imagine? The bald tires, the drunk drivers or crazy driving to race there to get another ride to make another fee. Weaving in and out, chatting on the mobile, counting money while he drives. Ever notice how the drivers don't collect the money a lot of times until the van takes off, at least the Thammsat University van drivers count money while driving. The rattle trap vehicles, no inspection necessary. No seatbelts, 15 or more people jammed in. Dirty windows, windshield wipers that don't work, Airconditioners with the thermostat turned low and the fan blowing air on the highest speed burning up all that "extra petrol" in that second Thai installed , home made and attached, jury rigged second gas tank. What a system. Could be a comedy if there weren't hundreds of deaths and injuries every year.

[animatic]

For those from the west running off is seen as reprehensible,

but in Thai it is seen as self preservation until tempers cool.

This driver likely had reasonable fears to be beaten badly

or to death by bystanders of survivors, as this has happened historically many times.

As we can see he has turned himself in.

He was likely to do this anyway, but when he thought it was safe to do so.

They always knew who he was, and no doubt understood why he ran.

His punishment would be about the same drunk or sober here.

So a moot point about alcohol blood levels.

He sure has the full to the eyebrows wei on and clearly is trying

to show groveling remorse....whether it is real or not is debatable.

But showing contrition goes a long way in Thailand culture.

[wpcoe]

He kills six people (and injures another seven) and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Grandpa SMS faces HOW long in prison?

[animatic]

He kills six people (and injures another seven) and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Grandpa SMS faces HOW long in prison?

Agreed, the LM punishments are way beyond the pale.

And typically misused and abused.

Though one reason for this is many fear, in light of recent provocations,

the slippery slope towards disintegration of the country,

if they are not harsh on this subject.

Edited January 10, 2012 by animatic

[gohmer]

I love all the comments talking about how bad the driver is. What about taking responsibility for you own stupidity. Every single person in Thailand knows how dangerous these busses and vans are. Every single person individually to ignore this and travel in them. If people took responsibility for their own actions, no one would take them and therefore there would be no deaths. The driver is an idiot, but so is anyone getting into one of these death traps. On the other hand, I personally believe in natural selection, so more power to them.

[gohmer]

He kills six people (and injures another seven) and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Grandpa SMS faces HOW long in prison?

Agreed, the LM punishments are way beyond the pale.

And typically misused and abused.

Though one reason for this is many fear, in light of recent provocations,

the slippery slope towards disintegration of the country,

if they are not harsh on this subject.

The dissent is because of laws like this, military control, corruption etc. You've got the cause and effect reversed.

[witsawakorn]

Walking away should be an offence. The guy could have been drunk but we'll never know...

It states that he. Is being charged with fleeing the scene. It also says 6 dead and 7 injured then later mentions payments made to families of 2 deceased. What about the others ? Driver surviving rear ending a truck is a surprise. Drivers sit at the front dont they? Lucky guy that he wasnt the first to die

Edited January 10, 2012 by witsawakorn

[arkom]

Thai private vans are death traps.

Not to far off, while back I was passing one that was full of passengers and noticed that the wheel was wobbling really bad.

Next thing I know the wheel came off and it almost flipped over!

[Tanaka]

He kills six people (and injures another seven) and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Grandpa SMS faces HOW long in prison?

20 years. But his crime was severe you see. He sent improper sms to high people. With a phone that was not even in his posession at the time! That is clever, I must say. Some sort of remote control probably. The court in its ruling did not find that of any importance, though.

[philw]

For those from the west running off is seen as reprehensible,

but in Thai it is seen as self preservation until tempers cool.

This driver likely had reasonable fears to be beaten badly

or to death by bystanders of survivors, as this has happened historically many times.

As we can see he has turned himself in.

He was likely to do this anyway, but when he thought it was safe to do so.

They always knew who he was, and no doubt understood why he ran.

His punishment would be about the same drunk or sober here.

So a moot point about alcohol blood levels.

He sure has the full to the eyebrows wei on and clearly is trying

to show groveling remorse....whether it is real or not is debatable.

But showing contrition goes a long way in Thailand culture.

Sensible comments about a sad accident.

Agree with you.

[trainman34014]

This Guy killed 6 people and injured 7 before running away but the BIB in the picture obviously think it's funny ! The charmless nerks should be locked up with him until they stop smirking.

[mrdome]

This Guy killed 6 people and injured 7 before running away but the BIB in the picture obviously think it's funny ! The charmless nerks should be locked up with him until they stop smirking.

Are you familiar with public behavior and body langauge in Asia? Perhaps not (very much). Public face and presentation is hugely important and these smiles are not the same as Western smiles. They do not signal finding it "funny" or agreement.

[Gers1873]

He apologised to the deceased passengers' families and said that, if possible, he wanted to be ordained as a monk for their merit for three months.

I'd prefer to see him incarcerated rather than ordained and for a period of 20 years not three months. Perhaps he can earn his merit in prison.

[marquess]

He kills six people (and injures another seven) and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Grandpa SMS faces HOW long in prison?

Sadly in this country somethings are worst than murder or causing loss of life.

[marquess]

Disregarding the fact he fled the scene which further increases the seriousness of this case, It will be interesting to see how this gentleman’s case is handled in comparison to the young ladies whose alleged reckless driving caused numerous deaths near Don Muang last year (or the other one who ran over a foreign worker). I am guessing that other than causing deaths by dangerous driving, that will be the end in the similarities of how the cases are handled. If this gentleman has a lawyer, they should point out the precedent set in that case as how he should be treated. (Obviously that would be worthless though)

Some people are more equal than others, I would like to see both these people in jail.

[chooka]

I love all the comments talking about how bad the driver is. What about taking responsibility for you own stupidity. Every single person in Thailand knows how dangerous these busses and vans are. Every single person individually to ignore this and travel in them. If people took responsibility for their own actions, no one would take them and therefore there would be no deaths. The driver is an idiot, but so is anyone getting into one of these death traps. On the other hand, I personally believe in natural selection, so more power to them.

Sorry, continue...

[sirchai]

He apologised to the deceased passengers' families and said that, if possible, he wanted to be ordained as a monk for their merit for three month.

Understandable. Do something very bad and become a monk for two weeks,,,,

[sirchai]

I love all the comments talking about how bad the driver is. What about taking responsibility for you own stupidity. Every single person in Thailand knows how dangerous these busses and vans are. Every single person individually to ignore this and travel in them. If people took responsibility for their own actions, no one would take them and therefore there would be no deaths. The driver is an idiot, but so is anyone getting into one of these death traps. On the other hand, I personally believe in natural selection, so more power to them.

Please write another post that you didn't really meant what you'd written....

[LTGTR]

Too bad Thailand doesn't see the merits of the death penalty-it would fit this suit perfectly.

[spidermike007]

Add another 10 years of prison time tonhis sentence, for fleeing the scene. That is what would happen in the US. It is a very serious crime. Especially when there are fatalities. It will send a message. Doubt it will happen. But it should. He is a creton, and should be treated as such.

[Payboy]

This Guy killed 6 people and injured 7 before running away but the BIB in the picture obviously think it's funny ! The charmless nerks should be locked up with him until they stop smirking.

They're smirking because they know that they are wasting their time with this scum. Sort of saying move on there's no money to be made here; and the public will have forgotten this case by next week.

[kimamey]

This Guy killed 6 people and injured 7 before running away but the BIB in the picture obviously think it's funny ! The charmless nerks should be locked up with him until they stop smirking.

Agreed