Nakhon sawan: The investigating officer in a controversial car crash case has been changed, amid ongoing concerns over the handling of the incident initially classified as "joint negligence."
According to Thai News Agency, a 30-year-old woman has sought assistance from the Office of Legal Rights Protection and Assistance. She expressed disbelief after her father and his new girlfriend were struck by a drunk driver who crossed into their lane. The police charged them with "joint negligence." The woman fears justice may be elusive due to the opposing party's connections with high-ranking local government officials.
CCTV footage, submitted by Ms. Sasithorn from Nakhon Sawan, shows the vehicle driven by the opposing party crossing onto the median and entering her father's lane on the Tha Tako-Nakhon Sawan road on February 18th. The crash resulted in the death of her father's girlfriend and left her father with serious injuries requiring extensive treatment. The driver of the other vehicle, who also died, had a blood alcohol level of 290 milligrams per cent.
More than four months later, on June 18th, Tha Tako investigators concluded the case as "joint negligence," citing that the woman's father was driving without adequate caution and did not attempt to brake or swerve before the collision. This decision has left Ms. Sasithorn dissatisfied, as she believes the CCTV footage clearly shows reckless driving by the opposing party. Furthermore, she worries about the influence of the other party's relatives, who are high-ranking officials in the area and have only briefly contacted her regarding compensation.
Mr. Nirand Yangyuen, Deputy Attorney General for Public Rights Protection and Legal Assistance, responded to the complaint by providing legal advice and suggesting the case be filed with the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Attorney's Office, where the incident occurred.
Pol. Col. Issaret Han-dam, Superintendent of Tha Tako Police Station, confirmed proactive steps were taken upon receiving information about the case. He visited the injured at the hospital to discuss their concerns. The main issues are the classification of the case as "joint negligence" and the claim for damages. To ensure fairness, a change of investigating officer was ordered. Pol. Col. Han-dam emphasized that the case file has not yet been sent to the prosecutor, and while charges may not be filed, compensation negotiations between the parties are necessary.