Tragic Accident: Medical Lecturer Runs Red Light, Hits University Law Students Resulting in Deaths

Summary of a tragic accident that occurred when a "medical lecturer" from a well-known university in Chiang Rai ran a red light and hit three first-year law students from the same university, causing serious injuries and fatalities.

Tragic accident claims the lives of promising first-year students.

• At 20:24 on 25 August 2026, a red sedan collided with a motorcycle at the Nang Lae traffic light intersection, northbound, Nang Lae subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Rai. The motorcycle was carrying three Mae Fah Luang University students.
• The first victim, Ms. Nichapa Promtong, 19, a first-year law student at Mae Fah Luang University, was injured in the accident and later died.
• The second victim, Ms. Patchareepon Nakornchan, 18, a passenger on the motorcycle, was injured and hospitalized at Mae Fah Luang Central Hospital.
• The third victim, Ms. Alfarin Kaso, 18, the motorcycle driver, was severely injured and taken to the hospital by rescue workers but died on 29 August 2026.
• The incident caused great loss and grief for the families, fellow students, faculty, and the Mae Fah Luang University community, who have all expressed their condolences and support for the victims' families and the injured.

Witness recounts the tragic moment when the sedan struck the motorcycle.

• A husband and wife who witnessed the incident helped the injured that night. They said the students had stopped their motorcycle at the traffic light near the roadside when a sedan suddenly swerved left at high speed, ran the red light, and violently hit the students.
• At the scene, the first student was found dead with no pulse. The second was unconscious for a short time before local residents helped her regain consciousness; she had severe leg wounds.
• The third student was thrown against a roadside tree, hidden from view due to poor lighting. A phone ringing from her brother alerted people, but she later died.
• Witnesses also said the sedan driver appeared panicked, repeatedly saying, "I was careless," and was preoccupied with a phone call, not assisting the injured.

Owner of the red sedan addresses controversy, saying "I still have a long future ahead."

• Online posts identified the sedan driver as a 32-year-old "medical lecturer" who told police, "I still have a long future ahead," sparking widespread criticism.
• The medical lecturer stated he does not recall making that statement; it may have been miscommunication. He insisted he had no such intent while giving police a statement, drove normally, and did not intend to flee. He also immediately helped the most seriously injured after the accident.
• The lecturer said he contacted the first victim's parents on the day of the accident, visited to offer wreaths and financial help for the funeral, covered the costs of transporting the body back to Nan province, and attended the cremation ceremony.
• He also visited and monitored the condition of the second seriously injured victim in hospital, spoke with the family, and intended to visit again unannounced the following evening but learned the patient had died.
• Regarding the third injured victim, he followed the medical team's care, visited the patient and family, and provided initial travel expenses.

The medical lecturer admits fault for running the red light.

• He explained that on the day of the accident, he was driving home from work in Chiang Rai city to his university dormitory. Approaching a yellow light, he was careless and eager to reach the dorm quickly, so he accelerated through the traffic signal.
• He admitted not braking and did not see the motorcycle stopped at the red light until the last moment before impact, when he panicked and tried to swerve but was too late.
• He confirmed he had not consumed alcohol or been intoxicated, having driven directly from work. Blood alcohol tests showed zero.
• He affirmed he did not flee and is willing to take full responsibility for compensation until the victims' families are satisfied.

Mae Fah Luang University confirms all actions will comply with the law.

• The Faculty of Law at Mae Fah Luang University stated it will not protect or assist the offender simply because they are university staff. Right or wrong will be judged based on evidence and law.
• A representative from the Faculty of Medicine expressed deepest condolences and confirmed the university's clear policy to comply with the law. Staff who commit offenses must be held accountable and responsible for assisting affected parties, with no improper assistance or distortion of facts.

On 31 August 2026, police filed charges. Against the "medical lecturer." Preliminary charges include reckless driving likely to cause harm to persons or property, negligent driving causing death and serious injury, and property damage.