Drunken Taxi Driver Causes Fatal Valentine’s Day Crash in Pathum Thani

Pathum Thani, Thailand – February 14, 2023

A tragic incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day when a couple in Pathum Thani lost their lives after being struck by a drunken taxi driver. The unfortunate accident occurred at 7.30am in the Khlong Sam area.

According to Lieutenant Prachanan Korkhun, an investigative officer at the Khlong Luang police station, the collision took place between a taxi and a motorcycle along a canal road. The victims, identified as 40-year-old teacher Pornnapha and her husband, 41-year-old engineer Thanat, were found lifeless at the scene. Pornnapha’s body was discovered near the footpath, while Thanat’s body was found near the edge of the canal.

The motorcycle, a Honda PCX with the license plate 3กด3732 from Bangkok, was recovered from the canal. The taxi, displaying extensive front-end damage, had the license plate 3มช6381 from Bangkok. The taxi driver, a 45-year-old named Nathon, sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody by the police. Nathon was found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident, with a blood alcohol concentration of 151 milligrams per cent, surpassing the legal limit.

An eyewitness account revealed that the taxi was speeding and lost control, crashing into the victims’ motorcycle. The motorcycle was traveling in its proper lane when the collision occurred.

A dashboard camera from another vehicle captured a portion of the incident, showing the taxi overtaking on the left at high speed during rush hour, creating a cloud of dust and ultimately leading to the fatal collision.

The news of the accident shocked and concerned Busaba, a teacher from the same school as the victims. Busaba expressed her worry when her colleague failed to arrive at the school on time, as her deceased husband used to drop her off every day. Upon being notified by the rescue team, Busaba immediately went to the accident site and informed the school’s administration to take care of the students and coordinate with the police regarding the legal proceedings.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize responsible behavior behind the wheel and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

About Pathum Thani

Pathum Thani is a province located in central Thailand. It is situated just north of Bangkok and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The province offers a blend of urban development and natural beauty, with attractions such as temples, markets, and picturesque landscapes.

Thailand’s Efforts to Combat Drunk Driving

Thailand has been implementing various measures to tackle the issue of drunk driving and reduce road accidents. The government has enforced strict penalties for individuals caught driving under the influence, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

In addition to legal consequences, awareness campaigns and educational programs have been launched to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving. These initiatives aim to promote responsible behavior and encourage individuals to choose alternative transportation options when intoxicated.

As a society, it is important to prioritize road safety and work together to create a culture where drunk driving is not tolerated. By doing so, we can protect the lives of innocent individuals and prevent tragic incidents like the one that occurred on Valentine’s Day in Pathum Thani.