Chiang Rai — The chief of Ban Du Police Station revealed that police have summoned the 'doctor professor' to acknowledge charges of reckless driving causing injury and death to three Mae Fah Luang University students. The accused clarified that although he ran a red light, he had no intention to flee and firmly denied saying the phrase 'My future is still long.' The police chief confirmed this statement was never made.
On 31 Aug 2016 in Chiang Rai, reporters updated on the tragic accident at Nang Lae traffic light intersection, Mueang Chiang Rai District. A doctor professor from a well-known local university in Chiang Rai was involved in a collision with three first-year law students from the same university, resulting in one student dying at the scene on 25 Aug 2016, another passing away on the evening of 29 Aug, and one student remaining critically injured and hospitalized at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital.
Recently, Police Colonel Anusorn Nokhamput, chief of Ban Du Police Station, told reporters that investigators will summon the doctor professor involved to acknowledge the charges today. Initially, he will be charged with 'reckless driving causing injury and death.' It is expected that the doctor will come to Ban Du Police Station around 3:00 p.m. Authorities have noted that the doctor has cooperated with police and assisted the injured since the accident, providing first aid, covering medical expenses, funeral costs, transportation of the body, coffin purchase, and attending funeral ceremonies in Nan province twice. There is no indication of fleeing or shirking responsibility.
Regarding the injured student, it is reported that their condition has improved beyond critical danger but they remain under medical care.
The Ban Du Police chief added that the investigation process requires waiting for additional forensic results from other agencies, such as the Forensic Science Office and the autopsy report from Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital. Police emphasized their commitment to conduct the investigation transparently and fairly for all parties involved.
Reporters inspected the two vehicles involved as evidence. The front of the doctor professor’s car was heavily damaged, with the windshield showing marks and cracks from the impact with the injured or deceased, and strands of hair stuck in the cracked glass. The hair will be tested to confirm whose it is. The students’ motorcycle was severely wrecked, with the rear wheel crushed beyond recognition, indicating the force of the collision. A helmet was found on the motorcycle, and nearby on the ground were the three students’ shoes.
Subsequently, reporters contacted Dr. Kamol, the driver involved, for clarification regarding the social criticism. He revealed that he does not recall ever saying the controversial phrase attributed to him and is unaware when such a statement could have been made that caused misunderstanding.
He firmly denied making that statement to police, explaining that after the accident he immediately helped the most seriously injured victim and remained at the scene to assist law enforcement. He asserted he was driving normally and had no intention to flee. He also maintained contact with the family of the first deceased victim from the day of the accident to discuss funeral arrangements, personally delivered a wreath, provided financial support for funeral costs, took responsibility for transporting the body back to Nan province, and attended the final funeral service.
Regarding the second deceased victim, Dr. Kamol visited the hospital to check on the patient’s condition and spoke briefly with the family. He coordinated assistance through a law faculty advisor, understanding the family was still grieving. The doctor had planned an unannounced visit to the patient in the evening of the following day but learned the patient had passed away at approximately 20:49.
For the third injured student, the doctor has monitored the condition alongside the medical team, visited the patient and family, and provided initial travel expense support. The case remains under police investigation, awaiting the formal charge process according to legal procedures.