The Director-General of the Public Prosecutor's Office stated that in the case of the 18-wheeler truck claiming brake failure and speeding, causing a collision with nine vehicles and resulting in two deaths, the driver faces a severe penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. He also noted that the employer must share civil liability. The Public Prosecutor's Office is ready to assist with the case.
On 11 Apr 2024 GMT+7, at the start of the Songkran festival, a major accident occurred on Phahonyothin Road, Tak–Lampang route, heading toward Lampang, opposite the entrance to Mae Wa National Park, Thein District, Lampang Province. An 18-wheeler truck crashed into nine vehicles, causing two fatalities at the scene—a man and a woman trapped inside a sedan that was hit, crushed, and dragged to the roadside. Additionally, ten people were injured: one seriously—a young girl traveling with her deceased parents—who was taken to Thein Hospital; four sustained moderate injuries; and five had minor injuries.
Kosolwat Intuchantayong, Director-General of the Public Prosecutor's Office for Rights Protection and Legal Assistance (Public Prosecutor's Office), said that according to reports, the 18-wheeler truck rear-ended multiple cars, damaging 7 to 10 vehicles and resulting in the deaths of a husband and wife. Consequently, the victims’ mother will likely have to raise the grandchildren instead of her children. This situation is very sympathetic.
However, since the accident occurred, investigators must examine the charge of reckless driving causing death and damage to others' property, under Criminal Code Section 291, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to 200,000 baht.
Whether the driver claims brake failure or not, the facts still fall within grounds for prosecution because it is the driver’s duty to inspect the vehicle’s condition, especially for large trucks.
Therefore, legal action must be taken against the 18-wheeler truck driver according to the law.
Regarding compensation for damages, loss of support, and funeral expenses, the truck driver will also face civil liability for wrongful death and property damage, including loss of support for the children and mother.
In civil cases, if the vehicle belongs to an employer or company, the law requires the employer to share responsibility with the employee if the employee was acting in the course of employment. The employer could therefore be a defendant in the civil case to claim damages under the law. The court will determine the amount of damages based on the evidence presented.
The claimant must present evidence to the court regarding the damages. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Rights Protection and Legal Assistance is willing to help. The victims’ mother can meet with the provincial public prosecutor’s office for rights protection and legal aid near her home.
Normally, the provincial public prosecutor handles criminal cases. For civil cases, claims can be filed together with the criminal case under Section 44/1, allowing the court to consider both simultaneously. The Public Prosecutor's Office is ready to provide knowledge, assistance, and help file motions without charge.