Capt Somkiet Sarasin of Chalong Police confirmed that the pickup driver who was previously reported as Mukpol Artichol, was, in fact, Narong Songchu.
“The 44-year-old has been charged with reckless driving under the influence of alcohol, causing death, serious injury and damage to property,” Capt Somkiet confirmed.
“He is currently being held in a cell in Phuket Provincial Court.”
Narong was driving a bronze Toyota Hilux pickup truck northbound on Chao Fa East Rd when he struck a motorbike that was waiting to turn right at a red light at the ‘Koktanode Intersection’ just south of Wat Tai.
His pickup then rammed into a grey Toyota Yaris and another motorbike in the opposite lane waiting to head south, which resulted in two more cars becoming involved in the accident. (See story here.)
“The motorbike driver who was killed, Mr Chaiyan Daungkiet, was driving alone. He was wearing a helmet but died from his injuries,” Capt Somkiet clarified.
“Another man and woman were seriously injured when their motorbike was hit in the collision. Both are recovering at Phuket Vachira Hospital,” he confirmed.
The current penalty for drunk driving causing death is three to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of B60,000 to B200,000 and a driving ban. Whilst the penalty for drunk driving causing serious injury to others is two to six years imprisonment and/or a fine of B40,000 to B120,000, and driver’s license suspended for up to two years.