Bangkok: Driver who mowed down three police officers released on bail

[Rorri]

PatOngo, on 30 Apr 2014 - 07:42, said:

Time to get serious.........sentence him to TWO slaps on the wrist.

Wow.. too harsh, after all his "family" have taken responsibility and already discussed compensation...... so much for protecting human life, always comes down to how much baht. If someone killed a member of my family I'd through compensation in their face, it's about time Thailand grew up...Life is NOT about money, in this case, and many others, it's about responsibility, something sadly missing in this culture.

[MMarlow]

The guy drives on the road. On that multiple lane highway -Boromrachachonanee- you can easily drive 100 km/h. Suddenly he sees cars stopped in front of him in the middle of that road on which he is driving. He breaks, tries to avoid them, loose control of the vehicle and lands on the walkway where the Police is taking a break. An unfortunate accident with, very painfully, several victims.

The driver is shocked himself and feels guilty, even if perhaps it is not his fault that those cars are there stopped on the road.

He doesn't try to flee, he did not drink, did not phone while driving. He is very sorry and apologies to the families, the police and all those involved. An accident.

He behaves the way you would expect in such a situation: sorrow and humble. He takes responsibility. What else can he do? What else would you do?

Perhaps it is a tragic accident. I think it is.

The most sensible and rational post of the thread. Now watch the haters rip it to pieces.

[LuckyLew]

Is Thailand the only country in the world where you can run over and kill police and still get bail?

This along with the red bull heir case are absurd ... neither should have gotten bail

Money talks then they walk ... a poor person would be sitting in a jail cell

Disgusted by this

[Tatsujin]

Good let him on bail, he is no different than the Protester leaders who are apprehended and release on bail. Just as long as you don't commit a crime under article 112. Then no bail at all.

I might have misread your post, but are you implying that all anti-Govt protestors receive bail?

If so, I'd remind you that just as many (all) pro-Govt protestors received bail also.

[bangarang]

but yet if a farang gets busted with a tiny bit of weed their totally screwed.... <deleted>...

[fredKroket]

He does look a dumb pratt, almost like a Simpsons character in appearance. Well done to the police for letting a lunatic like this with more money than sense back on the roads. I can't believe the idiocy of Thai drivers with absolutely no driving accumen or intelligence, driving a lethal weapon. I have never known an entire race to be so slow off the traffic lights yet when they've woken up they put to push into every conceivable gap or race like Lewis Hamilton. Question, I know some motorcyclists dont turn their lights on their motorbikes because they think it saves them fuel. Do motorists believe that moving at a snails pace from the traffic lights also saves them fuel? If this is the case than they are the biggest bunch of skinflints ever. I could go on all day about their driving habits and general lack of courtesy for other road users, such a self righteous race who think they deserve everything and give nothing. Is it also considered a loss of face to pull over for a faster moving vehicle? Why do they hog the fast lane and never pull over? The quickest way to get anywhere is by using the slow lane I find. Rant over and RIP to the BiB, your families have already been bought.

Edited April 30, 2014 by fredKroket

[spidermike007]

Terry you know the police are partially to blame. They throw themselves in front of traffic to get cars to stop and even try to grab on to motorcycles to make them stop. Im not saying this man is not at fault because he is. But police should have a better system to get drivers than standing at a checkpoint waiting to grab you.

A few years ago I had a motobike accident in Pattaya when a "policeman" rushed out of nowhere and tried to stop me. He grabbed my arm and it took me down and him with me. Broke the bike up a little but nothing major, but it did cut me up a bit. He hurt his ankle or foot. I went toe to toe in his face SCREAMING at him and pushing him until he backed down and let me go. I had a farang meltdown on him, and I'm a pretty stocky big guy, not an older easy to pick on type. I think the whole episode, going down with me and my total freak out, startled him. Whatever the case, that was one stop that didn't go the way he though it was going to. I've had a couple of run ins with real idiot police in Pattaya, almost always the same thing with them jetting out in front of you and trying to stop you on a bike at 3am on some side soi. No thanks. I suppose I am partly to blame by being out at 3 - 4 am, but what is Pattaya for if you can't be out that late?

Driving a car, have not had any real issues yet. Just normal stops, always polite and send me on my way. The way it should be. It's only on a bike and in Pattaya where I've had a few real problems.

Sounds like you have run into some very, very intelligent policemen. Grabbing the driver of a motorbikes arm is a smart move. He should be commended for that. Perhaps given an award for creativity, or problem solving. Wow. Boggles the mind. I always say the expression should not be "Amazing Thailand". It should be "Inexplicable Thailand".

[PatOngo]

Is Thailand the only country in the world where you can run over and kill police and still get bail?

This along with the red bull heir case are absurd ... neither should have gotten bail

Money talks then they walk ... a poor person would be sitting in a jail cell

Disgusted by this

There was another case of a cop being shot in a karoke bar some years ago, the shooter absconded, went to two neighboring countries for six months then returned to a plum job.....can't remember who it was, I think his father was a man of influence!

[fredKroket]

some serious tea money was paid I imagine

I doubt it, probably 1-2 million maximum to each family. Lets say their salaries were 20k / month, 240k per annum. Thais are greedy and would rather have 100 baht today, than 1000 baht next week so would accept whatever low ball offer the family made to them and be delighted with the result.

[ginjag]

The guy looks very athletic robust action type man, shaking his hand would be like holding a wet lettuce.

The picture shocked me, thinking I would se a rebel type. Looks like he could do with a work out in the clink.

[Thaiisnotrequired]

"Nawaphorn's uncle Prachuap Chumai said the family would take responsibility and had already spoken to the deceased cops' relatives in order to provide compensation."

Says it all doesn't it? Buy out, and he takes no responsibility for his error of ways, never to serve a day for wreckless murder. TIT. Money talks

[Lupatria]

Here’s a proposal for their much desired changes:

Under the new “Streamline Authorities Program” starting after the next election, every citizen with assets of 10 Million baht or more is considered above the law.

Owners of the “Crime Privilege Card” (monthly membership fee) obtain automatic bail, assistance in visa requirements for neighboring countries and an escorted free ride to the airport.

For more details visit: www.honestcop.org

Edited April 30, 2014 by Lupatria

[slipperylobster]

Terry you know the police are partially to blame. They throw themselves in front of traffic to get cars to stop and even try to grab on to motorcycles to make them stop. Im not saying this man is not at fault because he is. But police should have a better system to get drivers than standing at a checkpoint waiting to grab you.

A few years ago I had a motobike accident in Pattaya when a "policeman" rushed out of nowhere and tried to stop me. He grabbed my arm and it took me down and him with me. Broke the bike up a little but nothing major, but it did cut me up a bit. He hurt his ankle or foot. I went toe to toe in his face SCREAMING at him and pushing him until he backed down and let me go. I had a farang meltdown on him, and I'm a pretty stocky big guy, not an older easy to pick on type. I think the whole episode, going down with me and my total freak out, startled him. Whatever the case, that was one stop that didn't go the way he though it was going to. I've had a couple of run ins with real idiot police in Pattaya, almost always the same thing with them jetting out in front of you and trying to stop you on a bike at 3am on some side soi. No thanks. I suppose I am partly to blame by being out at 3 - 4 am, but what is Pattaya for if you can't be out that late?

Driving a car, have not had any real issues yet. Just normal stops, always polite and send me on my way. The way it should be. It's only on a bike and in Pattaya where I've had a few real problems. f

glad it worked out for you.

this story is about a homicidal maniac who cared nothing for the lives and family of his rage.

being sent free to do more harm.

[JRSoul]

Time to get serious.........sentence him to TWO slaps on the wrist.

oh that is a little harsh, corporal punishment is so barbaric. Have him say sorry and 1 hour at the Temple.

calm down chooks thats a wee bit draconian isnt it ..give the poor guy a break..

Can't blame him for being crotchety after StK get beaten by the Lions.

[noitom]

Can we assume that "mowed down" is softening up 3 counts of vehicular homicide?

[WitawatWatawit]

Heres a proposal for their much desired changes:

Under the new Streamline Authorities Program starting after the next election, every citizen with assets of 10 Million baht or more is considered above the law.

Owners of the Crime Privilege Card (monthly membership fee) obtain automatic bail, assistance in visa requirements for neighboring countries and an escorted free ride to the airport.

For more details visit: www.honestcop.org

It's called the "Thailand Elite Card" you clot. Get it right.

[HUAHIN62]

Good let him on bail, he is no different than the Protester leaders who are apprehended and release on bail. Just as long as you don't commit a crime under article 112. Then no bail at all.

whats your point ...there should be no bail full stop..just digging all the time arnt you..

In yesterday's Bangkok post there was the article about a red shirt journalist which was arrested in April 2011 under section 112. He have applied for bail 15 times and have been denied. The time he has served thus far will not be deducted from his jail time if/when he is found guilty. He also don't qualify for a pardon, because for that he must admit that he commited a crime and must also implicate others, which he refuses to do. The guy refuses to admit to a crime because according to him section 112 is illegal under the UN Human rights manifest which Thailand have signed. If this and cases like uncle sms is taken into consideration what Mango bob have said is true, only need to add rich (red bull kid), politically connected (for both sides Thaksin and PDRC), policeman (4 police found guilty of murder out on bail) or famous (actress murder case) to the list of people who get bail.

Edited April 30, 2014 by HUAHIN62

[JRSoul]

The guy drives on the road. On that multiple lane highway -Boromrachachonanee- you can easily drive 100 km/h. Suddenly he sees cars stopped in front of him in the middle of that road on which he is driving. He breaks, tries to avoid them, loose control of the vehicle and lands on the walkway where the Police is taking a break. An unfortunate accident with, very painfully, several victims.

The driver is shocked himself and feels guilty, even if perhaps it is not his fault that those cars are there stopped on the road.

He doesn't try to flee, he did not drink, did not phone while driving. He is very sorry and apologies to the families, the police and all those involved. An accident.

He behaves the way you would expect in such a situation: sorrow and humble. He takes responsibility. What else can he do? What else would you do?

Perhaps it is a tragic accident. I think it is.

I was taught to drive to the conditions of the time, which included a speed which allows me to see further that the braking distance required to stop. Perhaps, as a long time big-bike rider, that is why I am still alive and haven't killed anybody with my vehicle.

He should well feel guilty (and remorseful) because he is guilty of vehicular manslaughter of 3 innocents (in this instance). This was a clearly preventable incident, not at all excusable by your claim that "you can easily drive 100 km/h" when it is not safe to do so. It seems he is not the only one sadly in need of driver education.

[fred007]

So much for all the talk last week about this dude getting his Just Deserts in the police cells after he killed those on duty police officers

Looks like you could blow this dude over with a feather & Not a mark to be seen

[DLock]

Why are all these cop killers pathetic looking weasels who really should be at the back seat of a yellow bus on the way to special school?

[3SoiDogNight]

Was this driver listening to Ice T's Cop Killer album?

[rixalex]

The guy drives on the road. On that multiple lane highway -Boromrachachonanee- you can easily drive 100 km/h. Suddenly he sees cars stopped in front of him in the middle of that road on which he is driving. He breaks, tries to avoid them, loose control of the vehicle and lands on the walkway where the Police is taking a break. An unfortunate accident with, very painfully, several victims.

The driver is shocked himself and feels guilty, even if perhaps it is not his fault that those cars are there stopped on the road.

He doesn't try to flee, he did not drink, did not phone while driving. He is very sorry and apologies to the families, the police and all those involved. An accident.

He behaves the way you would expect in such a situation: sorrow and humble. He takes responsibility. What else can he do? What else would you do?

Perhaps it is a tragic accident. I think it is.

Don't understand how the stopped cars could have sprung up on him so out of the blue. He was coming down the single lane filter off road from the elevated highway. He would have had a very good view of what was ahead, and should have been slowing down anyway in preparation to filter on to the two lane lower road. My suspicion would be that speeding was involved. That seems to be backed up by how far he managed to traverse the kerb and some bushes and end up in the car park. His excuse of not being familiar with the controls of the car is most likely a cover story for having been driving recklessly. Just a tragic accident? Not sure about that. Suggests it was unavoidable.

[thailand49]

Not sure of the details but at majority of check points I have seen there is not enough warning for drivers. In the West, there is a standard when and where to setup and allow a certain distant to slow down. Here there seem to be no training just throw out a cone and stand in the road waving them in it is like a crap shoot. It is a shame this happen?

But when you enforce with no respect you get no respect... I seen time after time in Pattaya people disregard the checkpoints because all they seem after is a few extra baht. Enforce has no teeth and enforcement means 24/7 not only at checkpoints.

[alfalfa19]

Fascinating.

[antimedia]

Time to get serious.........sentence him to TWO slaps on the wrist.

oh that is a little harsh, corporal punishment is so barbaric. Have him say sorry and 1 hour at the Temple.

Why not ship him to Melbourne in irons, sign him up for the saints, they need someone with a little speed. From a friendly Bomber supporter, we know all about speed and few other banned substances.

[gemini81]

Singapore's nice at this time of year.

And if you get any threats, especially if you're a wimpy knob- Cambodia is a safe haven they say, for cowards evading the law. Cheap beer too, since he evidently likes his booze.

[crazyguyinthailand]

A wise expat once told me: If you wanna be a gangster here in Thailand you can, as long as you got a lot of money. If you're not rich and still want to be a gangster that's when you get big problems.

Edited April 30, 2014 by crazyguyinthailand

[The Deerhunter]

The guy drives on the road. On that multiple lane highway -Boromrachachonanee- you can easily drive 100 km/h. Suddenly he sees cars stopped in front of him in the middle of that road on which he is driving. He breaks, tries to avoid them, loose control of the vehicle and lands on the walkway where the Police is taking a break. An unfortunate accident with, very painfully, several victims.

The driver is shocked himself and feels guilty, even if perhaps it is not his fault that those cars are there stopped on the road.

He doesn't try to flee, he did not drink, did not phone while driving. He is very sorry and apologies to the families, the police and all those involved. An accident.

He behaves the way you would expect in such a situation: sorrow and humble. He takes responsibility. What else can he do? What else would you do?

Perhaps it is a tragic accident. I think it is.

I was taught to drive to the conditions of the time, which included a speed which allows me to see further that the braking distance required to stop. Perhaps, as a long time big-bike rider, that is why I am still alive and haven't killed anybody with my vehicle.

He should well feel guilty (and remorseful) because he is guilty of vehicular manslaughter of 3 innocents (in this instance). This was a clearly preventable incident, not at all excusable by your claim that "you can easily drive 100 km/h" when it is not safe to do so. It seems he is not the only one sadly in need of driver education.

Where I got my licence, the road rule is you are required to always drive in such a manner & speed that you can stop in 1/2 or less of the clear road ahead. To not do so is an offence called Careless Driving or Dangerous Driving: Two separate offences with different criteria of intent, a bit like manslaughter & murder.

[RuskiCat]

Wait a minute, the kids messes up. He's not stoned not drunk. He takes responsibility, says he lost control, doesn't blame chouffer. Admits guilt. Pays the families. He's a bad driver, but does the right thing... And TV members still gripe? Seriouly?

[EyesWideOpen]

Wait a minute, the kids messes up. He's not stoned not drunk. He takes responsibility, says he lost control, doesn't blame chouffer. Admits guilt. Pays the families. He's a bad driver, but does the right thing... And TV members still gripe? Seriouly?

Am guessing that one of the policemen killed was not one of your family members ???