Tribute to "Pol. Lt. Thun" Pol. Lt. Kiatsak Somsaet, who donated his eyes in a major act of merit before passing away after a pickup truck lost control and fatally struck him while he was directing traffic in front of a school in Udon Thani province.
At 15:05 on 5 Nov 2026, an accident occurred when a pickup truck lost control and struck a traffic police officer in front of Prachakhom International School, Ban Dong Rai, Mittraphap Road (Udon Thani–Nong Khai), Na Kha subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, resulting in a police officer seriously injured.
At the scene, long skid marks were found, with a concrete pole supporting a power pole and steel cables broken. A traffic police helmet numbered 602 lay on the ground. A white Isuzu four-door pickup truck with Bangkok license plates was overturned in a canal in front of the school, with some water accumulation. The driver, Mr. Thawatchai Boonwiset, 39, was trapped inside and honked the horn to signal he was conscious. Officials helped him out, initially finding broken ribs piercing the lung, so he was rushed to the hospital.
Some officials and good Samaritans searched for Pol. Lt. Kiatsak Somsaet, 54, deputy inspector and traffic supervisor at Na Kha police station, who was on duty in front of the school. He was found thrown across the canal and trapped against the school wall, unconscious and breathing shallowly. Emergency responders performed CPR and rushed him to Udon Thani Hospital, but Pol. Lt. Kiatsak later died from a broken pelvis, broken leg, broken ribs, and internal bleeding in the lungs.
Mr. Somyos Pichaya, 41, owner of Udornchokcharoen Steel Trading Company near the accident scene, said he was inside his shop when he heard a loud noise like a transformer exploding. He went outside and saw the accident: only the traffic police helmet was on the ground and the pickup truck was in the canal. He and school staff quickly searched for the officer’s body and found it thrown near the school fence, suspecting he had died at the scene.
He said he met this traffic officer every day, as the officer worked directing traffic in front of the school every morning and afternoon. He felt sorrowful because the officer would park his motorcycle in front of his shop daily. Although they did not talk today, they greeted each other as usual. The officer was a good-natured man who went to the police station after his work. But when he looked back, he saw vehicle parts flying and breaking the glass window on the second floor of his shop.
Lt. Col. Sangwan Boonnan, head of Na Kha police substation, said Pol. Lt. Kiatsak stood in front of Prachakhom International School daily to direct traffic every morning and evening. On this day, he came to work as usual, but the pickup truck lost control, hit him, and threw him across the canal into the schoolyard. He likely died at the scene. The pickup driver was rescued by officials. After speaking with him, they learned he had driven into Udon Thani city to buy car accessories, and was returning when the vehicle lost control for unknown reasons and struck Pol. Lt. Kiatsak, who was on duty, causing his death in the line of duty.
Initial police investigation found Pol. Lt. Kiatsak was performing his regular duty directing traffic in front of Prachakhom International School. Mr. Thawatchai was driving the pickup at high speed. Earlier rainfall had caused water to pool on the road, causing the vehicle to lose control and hit Pol. Lt. Kiatsak, resulting in his death. Police have charged Mr. Thawatchai with "recklessness causing death, driving and hitting an official while on duty," and will proceed with legal action.
On 6 Nov 2026, the Thai Red Cross Society Facebook page posted a message honoring a hero who gave new life and light before passing away.
The Thai Red Cross Society expressed condolences and paid tribute to the great heart of "Pol. Lt. Thun" Pol. Lt. Kiatsak Somsaet, deputy inspector, Udon Thani City Police Station.
Although his life ended forever due to an accident while performing duties to facilitate and ensure the safety of students in front of the school on 5 November 2026,
his spirit of "giving" continues to shine. His family decided to donate his eyes to the Thai Red Cross to provide treatment opportunities and restore sight to patients awaiting hope. Though his body is gone, his great goodness and sacrifice will be remembered forever.
The Thai Red Cross Society wishes merit from this act and prays for the soul of Pol. Lt. Kiatsak Somsaet to rest in peace in the hereafter.
Information from Thai Red Cross Society Facebook page.