Pathum Thani, Thailand
Police have filed charges against a 22-year-old Thammasat University student for drunk driving after he slammed his BMW at high speed while under the influence into the rear of a motorcycle ridden by a 27-year-old food delivery worker, killing him instantly in the early hours of May 1st. The accident went viral after alleged comments made by an occupant of the BMW loudly complaining about the vehicle damages with the other rider dead were reportedly caught on camera at the scene.
The incident occurred around 1-2 a.m. on Bang Khan-Chiang Rak Road in the Khlong Luang district. Police responding to the scene found the body of Mr. Alongkorn lying about 10 meters from the impact point. His motorcycle was severely damaged at the rear, and the driver’s helmet had been thrown clear. Nearby was a grey BMW with heavy front-left damage and a shattered windshield.
The driver, identified only as Mr. Phumin, a student at Thammasat University’s Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) at the Rangsit campus, admitted to being behind the wheel. Reports indicate the vehicle was traveling at high speed, with some accounts suggesting nearly 200 km/h, when it struck the rider from behind. Witnesses described the driver as appearing intoxicated and initially reluctant to provide details at the scene, requesting to speak at the police station.
A breathalyzer test at Khlong Luang Police Station measured his blood alcohol level at 93 milligrams percent, well above Thailand’s legal limit of 50 mg%. Police charged him with drunk driving causing death and are proceeding with the case. His mother later posted bail with cash, and he was released during the investigation stage as there was no indication of flight risk. The family also reportedly has already paid 100,000 Baht to the family of the victim as an initial gesture of apology.
The victim, a food delivery rider wearing a company uniform, had just left a restaurant with a colleague and was riding ahead when the collision occurred. Family members described him as the main financial pillar supporting his household, including elderly parents and a young child. His older sibling was reportedly seen crying at the scene, showing the profound loss to the family.
The crash has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with criticism focusing on reports that either the driver or those with him expressed more concern about the damaged BMW than the loss of life. Phrases such as “My car is also wrecked” and wanting to know who would pay for the damages with the other driver deceased circulated widely, fueling public anger.
In response, the Thammasat University Student Organization (Rangsit Center) and the SIIT Student Committee issued statements expressing deep condolences to the victim’s family. They strongly reaffirmed their opposition to drunk driving in any form, calling on the university community to heighten awareness of road safety and responsibility. The university indicated it would impose strict disciplinary measures against the student involved.
This tragedy shows Thailand’s ongoing challenges with drunk driving and road safety, particularly involving young drivers and vulnerable road users like motorcycle riders, who form a large part of the country’s delivery workforce. Investigations continue, and authorities have pledged to handle the case rigorously under the law.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
