Police have confirmed that no joint negligence charges have yet been filed against the tuk-tuk driver in the case where a drunk man driving a luxury car crashed, killing three inside a well-known village. Evidence is still being gathered while the perpetrator has approached the family to seek forgiveness from the deceased.
The incident involved Mr. Yotsathon, 31, driving a BMW that collided with a tuk-tuk inside a village on Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, Son Loi Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province. The crash resulted in the deaths of Ms. Lamai Atchmakornlak, 82, Ms. Phat Chatngo, 77, and Ms. Prathumporn Prasertkantong, 37, the tuk-tuk driver, early in the morning on 20 July, as previously reported.
The latest update at 12:00 on 22 July from Lieutenant Niphon Polsawat, deputy investigation officer of Bang Bua Thong Police Station and case officer, stated that after the incident, Mr. Yotsathon was questioned and initially charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent driving causing death and property damage.
Regarding the 30,000 baht offered by Mr. Yotsathon's relatives on the day of the incident as initial funeral assistance per victim, the deceased's relatives declined, fearing the case might be prematurely closed, which appears to be a misunderstanding about this matter.
As for the case itself, police are awaiting forensic institute results, witness testimonies, and relatives' statements, as well as reviewing CCTV footage from the scene to determine the direction of legal proceedings. No charges have yet been filed against the tuk-tuk driver pending forensic evidence.
Meanwhile, compensation from the BMW’s car insurance, compulsory motor insurance, and tuk-tuk insurance will be arranged for negotiation with the families of the three deceased after the funerals are completed.
At 14:00, reporters visited Bang Phai Temple in Bang Bua Thong District for the cremation ceremony of Ms. Prathumporn Prasertkantong, the tuk-tuk driver. Several relatives attended the ceremony, including Mr. Yotsathon, the BMW driver.
Ms. Wipawadee Prasertkantong, 47, a relative of Ms. Prathumporn, said she doubted the claim that the tuk-tuk driver would be charged with joint negligence. She noted that the case summary does not mention joint negligence and that the statement came from an insurance representative leaving the investigation room.
Today, the BMW driver came to the funeral with four relatives to ask for forgiveness. He did not speak and appeared somber. He seemed sober and shocked by the fatal crash.
Mr. Rungsak Prasertkantong, 49, husband of the tuk-tuk driver, said the police did not say they would charge the tuk-tuk driver with joint negligence. The statement came from someone outside the investigation room. He stated that he denies any joint negligence charges and is still unaware of the formal charges. Police will schedule a meeting. The BMW driver apologized during the funeral but did not speak. He offered 30,000 baht in aid. Mr. Rungsak said no one wants to forgive easily, but the incident has passed.
Hall 4 is the location for the funeral rites of Ms. Lamai Atchmakornlak, 82, and Ms. Phat Chatngo, 77.
Ms. A (pseudonym), 45, niece of Ms. Lamai, said that after the incident, she went to the police station to check details. Relatives of the BMW driver attended the funeral two days ago to express condolences and offered a donation envelope, but she declined, insisting the matter proceed according to the law.
The incident has deeply affected the village community because the village is peaceful, and both elderly victims were well-known residents. No one expected such a tragedy. It serves as a warning about the severe consequences caused by drunk driving.
Tomorrow at 14:00, the family will hold the cremation ceremony. The BMW driver requested to attend to apologize, but the family has neither accepted nor rejected this. If he wishes to come, he may, but forgiveness is unlikely. They want the case to proceed according to the law.