Girlfriend killed as Bangkok cop crosses bridge on motorcycle - despite ban

[Dodgydownunder]

Hope the truck driver gets an apology from the cop for the mental trauma involved..... but that aint likely to happen any time soon.

[trainman34014]

Any room in the 'inactive post ' department ? That's where he will be headed after his merit making and 500 Baht fine. Won't be more than that as he will be deemed to have suffered 'mental grief', 'trauma' and has shown 'remorse'. !

[anon467848]

The Govt. and police keeping harping on about clamping down on this and that, but unless the rules and regulations are enforced by the BiB , then it's nothing but talk, talk, talk...

[TKDfella]

Most of what I think has already been said. However, what surprises me is that other officers should feel ashamed because it is suggestive that they all like this. If this officer was on duty and went over the bridge in pursuit then one could understand but just to blatantly disregard well known laws really has no excuse. Other similar ranked officers should demand his dismissal and prosecution. Yeah, I know, unlikely.

[Doc46]

He's a Thai Cop ,,,,,He Can do Whatever he wants,,,,, including Killing Himself/good luck,,,,,

[Roomuck]

The guy just lost his girlfriend and maybe saw when a truck rolled over her body. And there are people who talk about alcohol, speeding and other nonsense?

How do you live with such a tragic accident? And does it turn you on when you write something bad about a guy who's already fragged?

Sorry, but I don't see your logic. I have not one iota of sympathy for this cop. He was riding illegally over this dangerous bridge (because he's a cop and thinks he can do anything), he was very likely inebriated and killed his girlfriend as a result. Any sympathy should be directed at truck driver and girls family and friends. The cop should be de-badged, convicted and banged up.

Losing a girlfriend is tragic, seeing her killed even more so. He will be going through hell. The grief will probably stay with him forever.

EVERYONE breaks laws, especially traffic laws. In Thailand and in every other country. I do it often, speed (when safe), forget to wear my seatbelt, sometimes am too lazy to put on a helmet for short trips. I used to drink drive, but taxis are so cheap and plentiful in Pattaya I have changed that habit.

He didn't intend to kill his girlfriend. No need to de badge him or bang him up for riding a motorbike on a bridge that allowed this anyway up until recently.

A tragic ACCIDENT.

He is a policeman, not a member of the public, he should be the first person to NOT drive on a bridge. probably the same guy that would take money off you and into his own back pocket if he caught you doing it (making assumptions based on the other available info).

Shouldn't be de-badged??

By all means lock him up and de badge him if caught taking bribes, which is a deliberate act.

IMO though he shouldn't be de badged and banged up for an accident, especially in Thailand where the general population has a very laid back attitude to obeying traffic rules.

[iBike]

Most of what I think has already been said. However, what surprises me is that other officers should feel ashamed because it is suggestive that they all like this. If this officer was on duty and went over the bridge in pursuit then one could understand but just to blatantly disregard well known laws really has no excuse. Other similar ranked officers should demand his dismissal and prosecution. Yeah, I know, unlikely.

Completely agree to this.

[iBike]

Losing a girlfriend is tragic, seeing her killed even more so. He will be going through hell. The grief will probably stay with him forever.

EVERYONE breaks laws, especially traffic laws. In Thailand and in every other country. I do it often, speed (when safe), forget to wear my seatbelt, sometimes am too lazy to put on a helmet for short trips. I used to drink drive, but taxis are so cheap and plentiful in Pattaya I have changed that habit.

He didn't intend to kill his girlfriend. No need to de badge him or bang him up for riding a motorbike on a bridge that allowed this anyway up until recently.

A tragic ACCIDENT.

He is a policeman, not a member of the public, he should be the first person to NOT drive on a bridge. probably the same guy that would take money off you and into his own back pocket if he caught you doing it (making assumptions based on the other available info).

Shouldn't be de-badged??

By all means lock him up and de badge him if caught taking bribes, which is a deliberate act.

IMO though he shouldn't be de badged and banged up for an accident, especially in Thailand where the general population has a very laid back attitude to obeying traffic rules.

They're not laid back about it when they fine me/request my money.

How can they make these stupid rules that motorcycles cannot go over bridges and underpasses, and expect people to obey the law and take the law enforcers seriously, when a cop doesn't even obey, and even worse he is probably drunk, carrying a gun off duty and gets his girlfriend killed.

So you think he should be free to walk away and resume duty? This would probably be a manslaughter case in lots of countries if he was proven drunk.

[Roomuck]

The guy just lost his girlfriend and maybe saw when a truck rolled over her body. And there are people who talk about alcohol, speeding and other nonsense?

How do you live with such a tragic accident? And does it turn you on when you write something bad about a guy who's already fragged?

Sorry, but I don't see your logic. I have not one iota of sympathy for this cop. He was riding illegally over this dangerous bridge (because he's a cop and thinks he can do anything), he was very likely inebriated and killed his girlfriend as a result. Any sympathy should be directed at truck driver and girls family and friends. The cop should be de-badged, convicted and banged up.

Losing a girlfriend is tragic, seeing her killed even more so. He will be going through hell. The grief will probably stay with him forever.

EVERYONE breaks laws, especially traffic laws. In Thailand and in every other country. I do it often, speed (when safe), forget to wear my seatbelt, sometimes am too lazy to put on a helmet for short trips. I used to drink drive, but taxis are so cheap and plentiful in Pattaya I have changed that habit.

He didn't intend to kill his girlfriend. No need to de badge him or bang him up for riding a motorbike on a bridge that allowed this anyway up until recently.

A tragic ACCIDENT.

With respect, not everybody breaks traffic laws. And few kill others while doing so. He should be put away for a long time.

Ok, maybe I should have said " everybody at at least one time in their life, will break a traffic law, or already has".

Have you?

I don't know anybody who hasn't. Even my old grandmother got caught by a speed camera in Australia doing six Kim's over the limit.

[JAS21]

... fully investigated including claims that the bike was moved to conceal important evidence.

I'm surprised that no one tried to blame the truck driver ... after all he was there ...

[arithai12]

Between him and your grandma, you can guess which one I'd rather meet on the road.

[wow64]

I better start carrying my pistol when riding. If I have a serious accident I can then display my grief appropriately.

[rethaier]

It's not ignorance that kills them, it's stubbornness...

Nah, it's both of the above plus stupidity.

[thesetat2013]

The guy just lost his girlfriend and maybe saw when a truck rolled over her body. And there are people who talk about alcohol, speeding and other nonsense?

How do you live with such a tragic accident? And does it turn you on when you write something bad about a guy who's already fragged?

Sorry, but I don't see your logic. I have not one iota of sympathy for this cop. He was riding illegally over this dangerous bridge (because he's a cop and thinks he can do anything), he was very likely inebriated and killed his girlfriend as a result. Any sympathy should be directed at truck driver and girls family and friends. The cop should be de-badged, convicted and banged up.

Losing a girlfriend is tragic, seeing her killed even more so. He will be going through hell. The grief will probably stay with him forever.

EVERYONE breaks laws, especially traffic laws. In Thailand and in every other country. I do it often, speed (when safe), forget to wear my seatbelt, sometimes am too lazy to put on a helmet for short trips. I used to drink drive, but taxis are so cheap and plentiful in Pattaya I have changed that habit.

He didn't intend to kill his girlfriend. No need to de badge him or bang him up for riding a motorbike on a bridge that allowed this anyway up until recently.

A tragic ACCIDENT.

You seem lost friend, go back to Pattaya and have another beer OK. Those laws have been in place for a very long time. In fact, there is really only 1 large bridge where motorcycle are legally allowed to cross. He broke the law and that resulted in the death of someone else's. Hang the mother f-er and leave him for the rats to eat. He is a disgrace to any normal police Dept. But in Thailand, maipanrai.... Pay her family and show remorse and maybe go to a temple and pray.

[mesterm]

"Officer Chaiyan Thongkhamchum then apparently fired his pistol into the air in grief several times before trying to kill himself before his friends intervened. He was taken to hospital."

Wow, like a Thai drama series.

[Gweiloman]

I'm not a big fan of the RTP having been "fined" by them previously for alleged traffic offences but the comments of some posters here are absolutely pathetic.

For those of you who commented that he was probably drunk, just because you perpetually are doesn't mean that others are too.

This accident could have happened on any road, it just happened to be on a bridge that, for some reason known only to some Thai authorities, is prohibited for bikes. Thousands of motorcyclists ignore these bans on a daily basis for good reason. The "breaking" of this nonsensical traffic law is no big deal.

[arithai12]

I'm not a big fan of the RTP having been "fined" by them previously for alleged traffic offences but the comments of some posters here are absolutely pathetic.

For those of you who commented that he was probably drunk, just because you perpetually are doesn't mean that others are too.

This accident could have happened on any road, it just happened to be on a bridge that, for some reason known only to some Thai authorities, is prohibited for bikes. Thousands of motorcyclists ignore these bans on a daily basis for good reason. The "breaking" of this nonsensical traffic law is no big deal.

You conveniently choose to ignore that:

-he is a policeman. it is his duty to respect the law more and better than any other citizien. whether the law (driving a bike on a given bridge) makes sense to him or to you, it is not a choice.

-he was driving with a loaded weapon. this means on duty. and you cannot ride with friends and a gf on the back while on duty. or he was not on duty, and then his pistol should not have been there.

-he discharged his weapon without need, and I don't need to mention it's a dangerous and illegal action.

-it is not mentioned whether he was drunk, so let's forget that point. but it is stated that the motorcycle was concealed by his friends. and that smells very very fishy.

It is an unspeakable tragedy to see your gf run over by a truck, I concede that. But there is little to condone in the behaviour of this guy. I hope he never wears a uniform again, and that is for my and your safety as well.

[Just1Voice]

My sympathies to the family of the girl, and the truck driver. A for the cop? Screw him! He KNOWS the law and deliberately chose to ignore it.

[Gweiloman]

I'm not a big fan of the RTP having been "fined" by them previously for alleged traffic offences but the comments of some posters here are absolutely pathetic.

For those of you who commented that he was probably drunk, just because you perpetually are doesn't mean that others are too.

This accident could have happened on any road, it just happened to be on a bridge that, for some reason known only to some Thai authorities, is prohibited for bikes. Thousands of motorcyclists ignore these bans on a daily basis for good reason. The "breaking" of this nonsensical traffic law is no big deal.

You conveniently choose to ignore that:

-he is a policeman. it is his duty to respect the law more and better than any other citizien. whether the law (driving a bike on a given bridge) makes sense to him or to you, it is not a choice.

-he was driving with a loaded weapon. this means on duty. and you cannot ride with friends and a gf on the back while on duty. or he was not on duty, and then his pistol should not have been there.

-he discharged his weapon without need, and I don't need to mention it's a dangerous and illegal action.

-it is not mentioned whether he was drunk, so let's forget that point. but it is stated that the motorcycle was concealed by his friends. and that smells very very fishy.

It is an unspeakable tragedy to see your gf run over by a truck, I concede that. But there is little to condone in the behaviour of this guy. I hope he never wears a uniform again, and that is for my and your safety as well.

So what are you saying, that his gf deserved to die because he was breaking the law as a police officer?

With regards to who wears a uniform here, I definitely do not depend on any police here for my safety.

[Suzy]

Unfortunately this updated ban seems to have made no difference to the number of motor cycles crossing bridges and fly-overs. Did anyone think it would? The flyover in Bangkapi outside the Mall is a prime example of this continuing problem, and not a policeman in sight!

[Roomuck]

Losing a girlfriend is tragic, seeing her killed even more so. He will be going through hell. The grief will probably stay with him forever.

EVERYONE breaks laws, especially traffic laws. In Thailand and in every other country. I do it often, speed (when safe), forget to wear my seatbelt, sometimes am too lazy to put on a helmet for short trips. I used to drink drive, but taxis are so cheap and plentiful in Pattaya I have changed that habit.

He didn't intend to kill his girlfriend. No need to de badge him or bang him up for riding a motorbike on a bridge that allowed this anyway up until recently.

A tragic ACCIDENT.

He is a policeman, not a member of the public, he should be the first person to NOT drive on a bridge. probably the same guy that would take money off you and into his own back pocket if he caught you doing it (making assumptions based on the other available info).

Shouldn't be de-badged??

By all means lock him up and de badge him if caught taking bribes, which is a deliberate act.

IMO though he shouldn't be de badged and banged up for an accident, especially in Thailand where the general population has a very laid back attitude to obeying traffic rules.

They're not laid back about it when they fine me/request my money.

How can they make these stupid rules that motorcycles cannot go over bridges and underpasses, and expect people to obey the law and take the law enforcers seriously, when a cop doesn't even obey, and even worse he is probably drunk, carrying a gun off duty and gets his girlfriend killed.

So you think he should be free to walk away and resume duty? This would probably be a manslaughter case in lots of countries if he was proven drunk.

When they are out looking for cash, they are not so laid back. But it is fairly normal here to see a cop with people driving all around him not do anything about people not wearing helmets etc.

When they ask me for cash I always ask them for a receipt AFTER I have handed it over. It never goes down well, but is good for a laugh. One copper told me he would give me one, but it would cost an extra hundred baht. I told him not to bother.

You have assumed he was drunk. And yes, if he was drunk in some countries he would be jailed for manslaughter even if the accident wasn't his fault.

A bit of a rough law that one, you go to jail because of someone else's mistake just because you have had a few beers. The drink driver always gets blamed whether he was at fault or not.

[iBike]

Can believe there are people trying to defend the law breakage cop!

RIP to the girl.

I was hit by a car as a child, one of the most prominent things I remember, was how distressed the driver who hit me was (it wasn;t the drivers fault). Hopefully the lorry driver gets over the accident.

[TimTang]

Out with friends, any chance alcohol was involved and he was armed ?

out with friends...in the early hours of Monday morning....riding his big bike with his GF.

Hmmm.... what would you guesstimate the chances would be???

Was he breathalized? Charged for illegally firing his weapon???

illegally discharging his weapon, there's no excuse and it's frightening isn't it ?

What goes UP must come DOWN. Anyone that indiscriminately fires a gun into the air assuming that the bullet will just continue on into outer space should NOT be entitled to carry a weapon. That bullet is going to come down somewhere at nearly the same velocity that it left the barrel of the weapon and kill someone instantly if they were hit.

I remember some years back when a drunk police man discharged his gun into the air in the middle of Nana Plaza. The bullet eventually came down went through the roof and landed on a pool table on the third floor (the pool room isn't there any more). Bullets don't just disappear!

[iBike]

He is a policeman, not a member of the public, he should be the first person to NOT drive on a bridge. probably the same guy that would take money off you and into his own back pocket if he caught you doing it (making assumptions based on the other available info).

Shouldn't be de-badged??

By all means lock him up and de badge him if caught taking bribes, which is a deliberate act.

IMO though he shouldn't be de badged and banged up for an accident, especially in Thailand where the general population has a very laid back attitude to obeying traffic rules.

They're not laid back about it when they fine me/request my money.

How can they make these stupid rules that motorcycles cannot go over bridges and underpasses, and expect people to obey the law and take the law enforcers seriously, when a cop doesn't even obey, and even worse he is probably drunk, carrying a gun off duty and gets his girlfriend killed.

So you think he should be free to walk away and resume duty? This would probably be a manslaughter case in lots of countries if he was proven drunk.

When they are out looking for cash, they are not so laid back. But it is fairly normal here to see a cop with people driving all around him not do anything about people not wearing helmets etc.

When they ask me for cash I always ask them for a receipt AFTER I have handed it over. It never goes down well, but is good for a laugh. One copper told me he would give me one, but it would cost an extra hundred baht. I told him not to bother.

You have assumed he was drunk. And yes, if he was drunk in some countries he would be jailed for manslaughter even if the accident wasn't his fault.

A bit of a rough law that one, you go to jail because of someone else's mistake just because you have had a few beers. The drink driver always gets blamed whether he was at fault or not.

I'm not saying he should be given the death penalty, but how can people argue he shouldn't lose his badge?

No argument there whatsoever.

[richard_smith237]

I'm not a big fan of the RTP having been "fined" by them previously for alleged traffic offences but the comments of some posters here are absolutely pathetic.

For those of you who commented that he was probably drunk, just because you perpetually are doesn't mean that others are too.

This accident could have happened on any road, it just happened to be on a bridge that, for some reason known only to some Thai authorities, is prohibited for bikes. Thousands of motorcyclists ignore these bans on a daily basis for good reason. The "breaking" of this nonsensical traffic law is no big deal.

While I agree with the majority of your comment - those with plenty of exposure to Thailand may well make the assumption that alcohol was involved.

This is the unfortunate state of affairs on Thai roads at night time - I for one don't know a single Thai male who doesn't drink drive (Lawyers, Policemen, Pilots, Club owners, business men - all thai and they all Drink & Drive).

Many of us also know Policemen and these Policemen rarely abide by the very rules they are supposed to enforce, generally through a belief that they 'are the law' and don't have to follow it.

Thus: When an accident occurs at night, after the party involved has been out with his friends the assumption that he had been drinking is a fair one.

In Thailand I would always assume drink is involved unless a report comes with the statement "BAC result was negative" (or something similarly conclusive).

Thus: Yes, this tragic accident could have happened on any road, Firing the Pistol shows the loss of consideration for the law (even in a situation of extreme grief)....

.... But the question really remains and its a fair one 'was Alcohol involved?'.....leading to poor judgement and excessive speed.

[trogers]

Unfortunately this updated ban seems to have made no difference to the number of motor cycles crossing bridges and fly-overs. Did anyone think it would? The flyover in Bangkapi outside the Mall is a prime example of this continuing problem, and not a policeman in sight!

Thus, my post #01

[TimTang]

Unfortunately this updated ban seems to have made no difference to the number of motor cycles crossing bridges and fly-overs. Did anyone think it would? The flyover in Bangkapi outside the Mall is a prime example of this continuing problem, and not a policeman in sight!

Thus, my post #01

I got busted a few times riding a motorcycle over bridges and overpasses but I still kept doing it because sometimes it was the only or shortest way from point A to B.

[Guitar God]

Yeah, why is Thailand the only country that doesn't allow motorcycles on bridges? I've driven in other countries on long bridges, high bridges, bridge/tunnel combinations, the Oakland bay bridge with metal grates for roadway, bridges with grooves in them, bridges over 1000' gorges, bridges on mountain overpasses but driving on a straight, flat 12 meter high overpass bridge in Thailand is illegal. Another revenue making scheme?

They let underpowered cars or unroadworthy cars or trucks use bridges but not a 1600 cc motorcycle.

Even with a gps programmed to avoid freeways it is damn near impossible to drive in large cities in Thailand on a bike and avoid all the illegal bridges. I wouldn't doubt most of the motorcycle accidents in bridges are caused by bikers trying to avoid the police.

[Basil B]

The guy just lost his girlfriend and maybe saw when a truck rolled over her body. And there are people who talk about alcohol, speeding and other nonsense?

How do you live with such a tragic accident? And does it turn you on when you write something bad about a guy who's already fragged?

I was drunk quite a few times on a big bike and speeding. I only had good luck that nobody died.

RIP to the deceased.

IMHO It is important that he should be tested for alcohol, I recall not so long back in Pattaya when an off duty police officer was involved in a accident conveniently no working test kit could be found.

The police are not above the law

[iBike]

Yes they are lol