Schoolboy Killed By Speeding Truck

[george]

Schoolboy killed by speeding truck

BANGKOK: -- A speeding pickup truck yesterday morning hit and killed a 14-year-old boy as he was crossing a road in central Bangkok. Thanin Muensang died instantly on Wireless Road at around 5.50am, minutes after leaving his home on his way to school.

Pickup driver Thinaruj Thammarlert, 28, initially fled the scene but surrendered to police later in the day.

When she arrived at the scene, Thanin’s mother Anongnart sobbed uncontrollably. She later collapsed and was hospitalised.

Prapaporn Sunthonvipak, the boy’s grandmother, said she usually accompanied Thanin across the road to the bus stop. She did not do so yesterday morning, she said, because she was still in the bathroom when Thanin hurried off to avoid rush-hour traffic.

“My heart is broken,” said Thanin’s father Thiraboon Muensang.

The father said he did not know how to break the news of Thanin’s death to his younger son, who is just four years old.

“The brothers were very close,” Thiraboon said.

Local residents said Thanin was not the first person to be killed on the road, where large trees blocked motorists’ view of pedestrians and the light from streetlights. A pedestrian walkway stands about 150 metres from the accident scene.

“Several years ago, one of my children was killed in an accident here,” said Kimlee sae Chun, 77.

Another resident, Muay Laisuwan, 53, said she had urged the authorities to provide another walkway and a zebra crossing.

“I have seen so many deaths here. I don’t know why our requests for the walkway and zebra crossing went unheeded,” she said.

Following the accident, Pathum Wan District Office director Surakiart Limcharoen rushed to inspect the scene and ordered that the roadside trees be pruned to provide a clearer view of the road.

“Also, we will establish a zebra crossing immediately, as well as a flashing yellow light to warn motorists to drive carefully as there may be people crossing the road,” Surakiart said.

Police said Thinaruj had been charged with reckless driving causing a death and failure to provide assistance to the victim.

Thinaruj said he didn’t see the boy because it was dark and that the accident was unavoidable. He said he did not surrender immediately because he was in shock.

--The Nation 2005-12-08

[leisurely]

That is very sad. But I don't know what purpose zebra crossings serve here. Even red traffic lights are often treated as a guide or optional. I was nearly knocked over on Sukhumwit a couple of days ago. Really driving standards in this country are incredible.

[Spit the Dog]

That is very sad. But I don't know what purpose zebra crossings serve here. Even red traffic lights are often treated as a guide or optional. I was nearly knocked over on Sukhumwit a couple of days ago. Really driving standards in this country are incredible.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's such a horrific way for a child to lose their life. I feel for the child's family.

But as Leisurely says what purpose do zebra crossings have in Bangkok? You either have to be a brave man or a complete idiot to use them. In all of my time in Bangkok, I have never seen a vehicle stop at a zebra crossing to allow anybody to cross.

[terdsak_12]

Obviously them horrible trees, cut them down, not the fact that Somchai was tearing down the road, more than likely well over the speed limit. Anyway next week everyone will forget and business as usual.

Why no one in power addresses any of the real issues I'll never understand. Then again I'm just a stupid Farang, what could I know.