Early Morning Collision
Injuries Reported in Nonthaburi
In the early hours of July 20, 2025, a drunk driver crashed into a parked police patrol vehicle in Nonthaburi, injuring two people. The incident occurred at 1:20 a.m. outside a convenience store on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. The driver, found to have a blood alcohol level of 181 milligrams percent—far exceeding Thailand’s legal limit—caused significant damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving.
Incident Details Unfold
Routine Patrol Disrupted
The crash took place as police officers were conducting a routine check, with their patrol truck parked and flashing lights activated. One officer, Police Lance Corporal Krisanath Komonworathat, aged 35, was inside the vehicle, while his superior, Police Sub-Lieutenant Yongyut Fakcharoen, had stepped out to sign a logbook at a roadside checkpoint. Moments later, a black Toyota Altis, driven by a 36-year-old man identified as Mr. Korn, collided with the rear of the police truck.
Injuries and Immediate Response
Medical Aid for Victims
The collision left Police Lance Corporal Krisanath with a back injury and Mr. Korn with chest pain. Rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation quickly arrived at the scene, providing first aid and transporting both individuals to Bang Bua Thong Hospital for treatment. The swift response ensured that the injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening, underscoring the importance of rapid emergency services in such incidents.
Drunk Driving Confirmed
Breathalyzer Exposes Violation
A breathalyzer test conducted at the scene revealed Mr. Korn’s blood alcohol level at 181 milligrams percent, well above Thailand’s legal limit of 50 milligrams percent for drivers. This finding confirmed that drunk driving was a key factor in the crash, which caused extensive damage to both the police pickup truck and Mr. Korn’s Toyota Altis. Authorities have recorded the incident and are preparing for further investigation to address the violation.
Legal Consequences Loom
Charges Pending for Driver
Police have taken Mr. Korn for additional medical examinations, with formal questioning and legal proceedings to follow. Potential charges for drunk driving and reckless endangerment are expected, reflecting Thailand’s strict stance on road safety violations. The incident adds to the 1,200 drunk-driving-related accidents reported in Thailand in 2024, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of curbing such behavior on the nation’s roads.
Broader Road Safety Concerns
Strengthening Enforcement Efforts
This crash highlights the persistent issue of drunk driving in Thailand, where alcohol-related accidents account for 15% of road fatalities annually. Authorities are intensifying efforts to enforce stricter penalties and increase roadside checks, particularly during early morning hours when such incidents peak. Public awareness campaigns and enhanced police patrols aim to reduce these preventable accidents, ensuring safer roads for all in Nonthaburi and beyond.
