Driver in Chiang Mai, smashes 3 cars, 8 motorbikes before crashing into a retail store

[webfact]

Driver in Chiang Mai, Smashes Three Cars and Eight Motorbikes before Crashing into a Retail Store

CHIANG MAI – Several people were injured when 74 year old Somnuek Saritnet smashed into three cars, eight motorbikes and a retail store in Chiang Mai.

Police said Mr.Somnuek Saritnet, suffered a seizure behind the wheel and pressed down on the accelerator uncontrollably, causing the pileup in Muang District Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Somnuek had been driving his Chevrolet along Sanam Keela road in tambon Chang Phuak when he suffered the seizure. He lost control of the vehicle and ploughed through the cars and motorbikes before ramming a shop selling construction materials.

Full story: http://www.chiangraitimes.com/driver-in-chiang-mai-smashes-three-cars-and-eight-motorbikes-before-crashing-into-a-retail-store.html

-- CHIANGRAI TIMES 2015-10-22

[puukao]

If I hear about job losses, it's a recession

If I lose my job, it's a depression

If i read about car crashes, I feel bad for 10-seconds, maybe 20

If I get hit..........it could be a life changer

Be careful out there.....this place is getting CRAZY....

high season to start in 10, 9, .......

[LivinLOS]

Suchitra, his 72-year-old wife and passenger, said her husband had suffered from a bone and muscular illness and occasionally had fits.

No reason to stop and reconsider if he should be driving then ???

[godden]

It's a lot better than saying the brakes failed, bet we see it used again and again.

[leither69]

At least he didn't run away from the scene

[CMKiwi]

With these seizures he'd possible end up running around in circles if he tried....

[kotsak]

Went to renew my 5-year driving licenses yesterday in BKK. Saw a woman (in her 50s) failing the brake reaction test 3 times out of 4. Not sure if they failed her or not. Bloody scary thinking such people may be allowed to drive. TIT

[kiwikeith]

The guy had a heart attack (seizure) so not his fault, happens in every country now and again even after medical certificates required after certain age.

[springheeled jack]

I think the powers that be need a good shaking up granting a driving licence to a person subject to fits is like giving someone a licence to kill I have no doubt there are a lot of people with medical problems still driving who should not be on the roads.

[LivinLOS]

Fact is who can tell 'pii' anyone they cant do something ??

The entire culture of automatic respect and seniority, built into the core of the language and thought patterns, over rules this.

[elgordo38]

At least he didn't run away from the scene

He was to old to run and more than likely injured to some degree. If he consulted a doctor the doctor should have notified the department of transport and they should have lifted his license to drive. They if anybody should face legal action. Then the Gemini in me kicked in and said "never happen"

[Chicog]

The guy had a heart attack (seizure) so not his fault, happens in every country now and again even after medical certificates required after certain age.

A seizure is not the same as a heart attack. You should google "seizure" then google "myocardial infarction".

He had a history of fits. He should not have a driving license.

[LarryBird]

The guy had a heart attack (seizure) so not his fault, happens in every country now and again even after medical certificates required after certain age.

Congratulations on being the first one in the 'happens everywhere' camp. Frequencies and rates don't matter, right?

[LarryBird]

On the bright side, it looks like Buddha was looking after him as no one was seriously injured. This could have been a lot worse. Expect to see him back on the road next week, though.

[Tywais]

Also images on CM108

[LarryBird]

I wonder if the family thinks that his seizures are a valid excuse..

[Ace of Pop]

Some have a Lifetime Licence, remember that fact.

[Chicog]

Some have a Lifetime Licence, remember that fact.

Does Thai law allow you to drive if you know you have a condition that can render you almost instantly unable to control yourself or the vehicle?

If it does, oh dear.

[Ace of Pop]

Oh Dear indeed he's a result

[Chicog]

Oh Dear indeed he's a result

That doesn't answer the question.

Ah OK, they are "thinking about it".....

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – The Medical Council of Thailand has entered into discussion with the Land Transport Department to find measures to address epileptic drivers, after Wednesday's tragic accident which killed 4 young students.

According to Dr. Samphan Khomrit, Medical Council of Thailand secretary-general, epilepsy seizure is unpredictable, and will occur without the patient knowing.

On Wednesday, a school director in Nong Bua Lamphu experienced such an episode of epileptic seizure while driving in front of the school in the morning. No longer having control over the vehicle, he rammed his SUV into several young students, killing 4 students and injuring 11 others.

Dr. Samphan said the Medical Council and the Land Transport Department were determining practical regulations on driver who have epilepsy, heart disease, diabetes and brain illnesses, in order to benefit the safety of the public.

Edited October 22, 2015 by Chicog

[NCC1701A]

minor injuries? look at the second camera angle as the guy Buddha does not like hits the pavement.

[MaeJoMTB]

I'm surprised nobody was killed, the speed the car was going at.

That was really nasty.

[sweatalot]

Some have a Lifetime Licence, remember that fact.

Does Thai law allow you to drive if you know you have a condition that can render you almost instantly unable to control yourself or the vehicle?

If it does, oh dear.

Do you think it makes a difference if the law allows or don't? (in Thailand)

[Chicog]

To some people.

[Mapguy]

Such chitchat !!! Take the srory at first reading: an old guy lost control of a car for vulnerabilities of age or infirmity. Happens in many, many places! Poor guy. Poor people he hit!

Otherwise, give it a rest!

[Berkshire]

The guy had a heart attack (seizure) so not his fault, happens in every country now and again even after medical certificates required after certain age.

Congratulations on being the first one in the 'happens everywhere' camp. Frequencies and rates don't matter, right?

It's necessary to remind people because there are too many idiot farangs who think that this sort of thing only happens in Thailand. As far as frequency, are you suggesting that drivers suffer seizures and kill people on a regular basis? Seriously? I rest my case.

[LarryBird]

Thanks for resting your case. The fact that you somehow think it isn't the drivers fault after having a history of seizures shows how analytical of a thinker you are. I am glad we disagree.

Thailand, 2nd deadliest roads in the world... Happens everywhere though!!! http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/864540-thailands-roads-second-deadliest-in-the-world-world-health-organization/

[LarryBird]

And to further add, for the happens everywhere folks, I have to ask... Why bother reporting the news? Why go trough the hassle of collecting data and reporting statistics?

[Berkshire]

And to further add, for the happens everywhere folks, I have to ask... Why bother reporting the news? Why go trough the hassle of collecting data and reporting statistics?

Senseless vehicular deaths happen all the time all over the world....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865406-three-dead-and-dozens-injured-in-oklahoma-parade-horror-crash/

But there is no need to turn such a tragedy into an American or Thai-bashing spectacle. That's the point.

[HaleySabai]

On the bright side, it looks like Buddha was looking after him as no one was seriously injured. This could have been a lot worse. Expect to see him back on the road next week, though.

..what are you joking, look at the video,man!