A police lieutenant colonel has surrendered after fatally hitting 16-year-old Nong Khaopan with his vehicle and has pledged full compensation. The deputy provincial police chief assured the case is being handled straightforwardly. The suspect confessed to two charges, and blood and DNA tests are being expedited to gather additional evidence.
On 7 Sep 2026, following a hit-and-run incident in Phitsanulok where a vehicle struck a motorcycle causing the death of 16-year-old peeranath Rathawai, known as “Nong Khaopan,” a former marching band musician, investigators traced the driver via CCTV footage and identified him as a police lieutenant colonel, as previously reported.Read more: Driver identified as police officer in hit-and-run that killed 16-year-old; vehicle found with counterfeit license plates)
At 19:45 on 6 Sep 2026, at Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station, Lieutenant Colonel A., the suspect in the case of driving a Toyota Fortuner that struck Nong Khaopan’s motorcycle causing his death and fleeing the scene, surrendered to investigators. Present were Pol. Col. Monsak Kaew-on, Deputy Commander of Phitsanulok Provincial Police, Pol. Col. Phakphum Prabsripoom, another Deputy Commander, and Pol. Col. Watcharapong Sitthirungroj, Superintendent of Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station, along with forensic officials from Forensic Center 6, who jointly questioned the suspect about the incident.
After about 30 minutes, Nong Khaopan’s foster parents and aunt met the suspect for the first time since the incident, allowing both sides to have a conversation within the interrogation room.
Pol. Col. Monsak Kaew-on and Pol. Col. Phakphum Prabsripoom stated they came to follow up on the case progress to ensure justice for the victim’s family. The suspect has now surrendered, and police are fully proceeding with legal steps.
The case originated from a hit-and-run accident. Initially, investigators did not know the perpetrator or vehicle involved. After examining the scene and CCTV footage, police tracked the vehicle’s route leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest. The suspect later contacted police to surrender. Authorities affirm they will prosecute fairly and ensure justice for all parties.
Preliminary charges include reckless driving causing injury and death, and fleeing the scene without providing assistance. Additionally, the license plate’s authenticity is under urgent investigation by Forensic Center 6 to determine if it is genuine or forged.
The deputy provincial police commander said two charges have been filed so far, with other charges pending as evidence is gathered. Police are interviewing witnesses present at the 'Tawandang' entertainment venue and other surrounding witnesses, while conducting blood tests to check for drugs and related evidence.
Meanwhile, the suspect has confessed to the initial charges, expressed remorse and regret, and has shown willingness to fully compensate and make amends to the deceased’s family.
Police reaffirm that despite the suspect being a fellow officer, no protection or special treatment will be given. Phitsanulok Provincial Police will ensure fairness to both sides, recognizing the case’s impact on the organization’s image and focusing on full compensation for the victim’s family.
Next steps include collecting DNA, urine, physical, and blood samples, alongside gathering all evidence for case files. Investigators have compiled evidence from before and after the incident, including CCTV footage, to ensure thorough case prosecution.
Regarding concerns over the blood test delay of about five days post-incident, authorities explained that although alcohol might no longer be detectable, they can still use witness testimony, CCTV footage, travel routes, and other evidence. Nonetheless, blood tests for drugs or related substances will be conducted according to protocol.
Regarding the seized Toyota Fortuner, the suspect claimed he purchased it secondhand. However, initial vehicle registration checks yielded no clear information. Therefore, forensic experts will conduct detailed inspections of the vehicle and forensic evidence.
Nong Khaopan’s family recently performed a water funeral by scattering his ashes in the Nan River in front of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan (Wat Yai) in Phitsanulok. Tonight, they had the first opportunity to meet the suspect since the incident.
Phitsanulok Provincial Police confirm they will thoroughly gather all evidence and proceed according to legal procedures, ensuring fairness to both the victim’s family and the suspect equally. They urge the public to have confidence that police will handle the case transparently and diligently to reveal the clear facts.