Three cyclists killed, two others injured when hit by speeding car

[Lite Beer]

Three cyclists killed, two others injured when hit by speeding car
The Nation

CHIANG MAI: -- Three were killed and two others were badly injured when a speeding car driven by an allegedly drunk university student hit into the rear of a group of 20 bikers who were making morning exercise ride in Chiang Mai's Doi Saket at 6:15 am Sunday, police said.

The car driver was identified as Patchuada Jairuean, 23. Police said she appeared drunk. Witnesses told police that the bikers were riding in a row on the left lane and the car hit them at the speed of at least 100 kilometers per hour.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Three-cyclists-killed-two-others-injured-when-hit--30259251.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-03

[InsertUserName]

That will be a 3000 bhat fine Miss. Now be on your merry way...

[Cuchulainn]

This thing deserves to stay in prison the rest of her life. But I dare say "daddy" will get her off.

[shirtless]

Very sad i feel for them i hope they throw the book at the driver, She had no consideration for anyone but her self .

[Eddy B]

R.I.P to the cyclists and my condolences to their families. I hope this student is dealt with accordingly.

[cloudhopper]

Terrible for all involved. Bicycling is very popular around Doi Saket but even on the back roads where I ride cyclists are just sitting ducks.

[blowin]

RIP So sad people trying to prolong their lives by staying fit wiped out like this. I am sure the student will also suffer for her stupid behavior unless she is connected to the Thai elite.

[richard_smith237]

This is such a tragedy... Unfortunately the 23 year old student didn't make a tragic mistake... She got in her car and drove knowingly drunk..

Unfortunately until Thai Society in general is prepared to take responsibility for its carelessness news such as this remains common place.

My Brother in Law found scratches in his car after a night out - He remembers nothing. He now stays over night at our place when drinking a lot so he doesn't have to drive home. But, its not all the time.

A Thai friend spun his car on the express way, arrived at the Pub with a damaged car and frayed nerves, also quite drunk. Everyone laughed along with him, I was the only one to call him a fool and an idiot to his face. I was the only one who told him he was lucky not to have hurt anyone else. I was the only foreigner there.

In short: There is very little social responsibility amongst friends here. Amongst strangers social responsibility is almost absent. Members of society really need to grow up and learn to be responsible. Correct enforcement of the Law is essential, but looking at the role models there seems to be little hope.

Perhaps what makes Thailand so popular in that people seem more free, relaxed, happy and carefree is a double edged sward in that these attitudes also breed a lack of responsibly and accountability.

Edited May 3, 2015 by richard_smith237

[DaamNaam]

I hope they string her up on the gallows for this.

Just terrible news indeed.

Edited May 3, 2015 by DaamNaam

[tingtongfarang]

I hope they string her up on the gallows for this.

Just terrible news indeed.

Thats better...for a moment thought i was reading the ladyboy thread

[slipperylobster]

Bikes are legal vehicles that have every right to be on the road. Drivers of large vehicles should pass them cautiously, Almost all the bike riders I have seen are more professional than automobile drivers here. They have proper bikes,wear safety gear and keep to the left.

It was the automobile industry that took away pedestrian rights. Seems like you cannot even walk anywhere, safely. Even crossing the road is a hazard. Cars actually speed up or judge their distance to prevent you from even attempting to cross. Lack of empathy is the main diagnosis. Years ago, bicycles were common transportation here..now people look at them as non entities....or sitting ducks waiting to get hit. Not the case.

I think most automobile drivers here should have their licenses revoked...and be made to ride bicycles. Driving is a privilege...not a right.

[balo]

RIP, how many fatal bicycle accidents did we have last year and up until now ? I remember at least 3 foreigners killed . Even if cycling is good exercise (I do it myself ), please try to avoid the main roads with speeding cars. I avoid Sukhumvit but I see many Thai cyclists there in big groups, they are like sitting ducks. I do not feel safe even down beach road but at least the traffic is slow there so you'd have a chance if anyone knocks you off the bike.

[rijit]

My gf not so often but her mates regulary get pissed and drive home, and were talking people with good jobs . They just refuse to see its a problem.

[Lite Beer]

Three cyclists killed and two injured in a car crash

CHIANG MAI: -- An alleged drunk driver crashed her car into a group of cyclists, killing three of them and seriously injuring two others on the Chiang Mai-Doi Saket road before dawn this morning.

The three dead victims were identified by police as Pongthep Khamkaew, 40, Samarn Kantha, 63

and Chairat Yonglun, 65. The injured were Pongsak Polasingh, 36 and Supon Kamsing, 56. All of them are members of Sansai district’s bicycle club.

The driver, identified police as 24-year old Ms Patchuda Jiaruen, was trapped behind the wheel after her car turned upside down. She was pulled out of the car wreckage by rescue workers and later rushed to the hospital.

Police said a group of about 20 cyclists of Sansai bicycle club were pedaling on the road in Ban Bor Hin when out of a sudden a car driven by Ms Patchuda slammed into the crowd causing deaths and injuries.

The driver was later charged with reckless driving causing deaths and injuries to the other people after initial lab tests showed high level of alcohol in her blood.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/three-cyclists-killed-and-two-injured-in-a-car-crash

-- Thai PBS 2015-05-03

[clockman]

I wait to see, what happens now. Because in the past nothing? R.I.P.

[scotbeve]

With the enforcement being a bit tighter now, I've had friends stay over. The fine is 10,000 baht for having over 50 in a breathalyzer test. People, at least the more responsible ones, in Chiang Mai are getting worried about being fined. BTW- 3 times and the license is pulled plus jail time.

[tingtongfarang]

With the enforcement being a bit tighter now, I've had friends stay over. The fine is 10,000 baht for having over 50 in a breathalyzer test. People, at least the more responsible ones, in Chiang Mai are getting worried about being fined. BTW- 3 times and the license is pulled plus jail time.

Not long ago a friend left my house drunk...she called later to say the police caught her, they escorted her to the atm and relieved her of 2000bht so she could ride the rest of the way home, the fact she has no licence or the bike does,nt even have a book did not interest them.

[Chonburiram]

Why is this burried in the CM news section?

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

This is such a tragedy... Unfortunately the 23 year old student didn't make a tragic mistake... She got in her car and drove knowingly drunk..

Unfortunately until Thai Society in general is prepared to take responsibility for its carelessness news such as this remains common place.

My Brother in Law found scratches in his car after a night out - He remembers nothing. He now stays over night at our place when drinking a lot so he doesn't have to drive home. But, its not all the time.

A Thai friend spun his car on the express way, arrived at the Pub with a damaged car and frayed nerves, also quite drunk. Everyone laughed along with him, I was the only one to call him a fool and an idiot to his face. I was the only one who told him he was lucky not to have hurt anyone else. I was the only foreigner there.

In short: There is very little social responsibility amongst friends here. Amongst strangers social responsibility is almost absent. Members of society really need to grow up and learn to be responsible. Correct enforcement of the Law is essential, but looking at the role models there seems to be little hope.

Perhaps what makes Thailand so popular in that people seem more free, relaxed, happy and carefree is a double edged sward in that these attitudes also breed a lack of responsibly and accountability.

RIP to the unfortunate victims who have lost their lives at a young age and condolences to the families involved, and may those injured recover quickly.

Not the point here but my Thai adult son used to ride his bike to work (in Chiang Mai - about 2km to work and same home). He started doing this about 2 years ago but he stopped within about 3 months because twice he was rear ended and thrown off by speeding cars, and both cars didn't stop. He was lucky he only got abrasions.

After the second incident his wife insisted he stop riding the bike. He did.

Edited May 3, 2015 by scorecard

[Loptr]

RIP to those that lost their lives... Nothing will bring them back, let's hope justice is done...

[Tywais]

Why is this burried in the CM news section?

It's a Chiang Mai news article, where else should it be? Forum title "Chiang Mai News and Events " There is already one running in the main CM forum by a member.

[Asiantravel]

That will be a 3000 bhat fine Miss. Now be on your merry way...

I hope you're not being serious.

Okay if the police don't prosecute they way they should, then surely the families of the deceased can sue the pants off this girl's family?

Two were in their 60s and one was 40 so I'm sure their families would have the financial means to take on her her on financially and sue her (and her father or mother is that's possible for raising such a dimwit ) for the maximum amount of compensation. Maybe the bike club should consider a class action suit.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Asiantravel

[Chonburiram]

Back in the real world this would be nationwide news. So, Thailand news or Thaivisa news would be appropriate.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I hope they string her up on the gallows for this.

Just terrible news indeed.

Read that her blood alcohol level was 67.

That's not even over the limit in many countries including Malaysia, Singapore and the USA.

It's not like she was completely wasted.

Just that Thailand has a relatively strict limit, combined with really lax enforcement.

[Puwa]

This really saddens me as a fellow Chiang Mai cyclist. Here's the YouTube vid, not for the squeamish https://youtu.be/BFhIQZd0raU

[chaiyapoon]

This type of accident is one that none of us can avoid except by not riding.You can be alert as you like and even checking your mirror all the time(if on a motorcycle)but how do you get out of the way when being run down from the rear.

I'm always checking my mirror especially at lights watching whats happening from behind since a friend was killed many yesrs ago by a truck ploughed into him from behind.

[mikeinbangkok]

This is a tragedy. R I P for those who passed away and condolences to the families. The law for drink driving has been tightened but, unfortunately, the awareness or the respect for such laws are still inexistent. Even China where I often travel the laws are very tough and one very famous case was of a popular actor who was caught but with all his celebrity status and connections, he could not escape and ended up in jail for several months. That being said, In China the first thing the police does is to confiscate mobile phones. That blocks anyone from using influence or calling "Connections."

[giddyup]

There seems to be this total lack of accountability in Thailand which gives the go ahead for irresponsible behaviour. Will the drunk driver even feel any remorse for her actions, or will she put the blame on the cyclists?

[Katipo]

Vehicular manslaughter at the very least.... if there is a such a thing in Thailand. Sadly, I fear this is going to end up with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.... again

[chingmai331]

My condolences to all who suffer.

Would like to say that watching videos of horror or catastrophe cannot benefit you in any way. Not trying to deny the evil or stupidity of the various residents of the world but viewing such stuff tends to taint the viewer's mind. The Buddha tells us to focus on the goodness of the world and take personal responsibility for our own path.