Doctor’s Negligence Leads to Fatal Car Crash Involving Mae Fah Luang University Students; 2 Dead, 1 Injured

Chiang rai: The doctor driver who ran a red light and hit two Mae Fah Luang University students, injuring one, has admitted fault. He insists he was not intoxicated and immediately attempted CPR on the injured. According to Thai News Agency, following the car-motorcycle accident at the Nang Lae intersection in Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province on August 25th, at 2:00 PM today (August 31st), the driver of the car involved, a doctor, along with Mr. Suwijak Chandaphan, Deputy Dean of the School of Law, Mae Fah Luang University; Dr. Natdanai Najanchai, from the School of Law, Mae Fah Luang University; and Associate Professor Dr. Preecha Suntaranan, representative from the School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, met with Police Lieutenant Phanuvat Atsungnoen, the investigating officer at Ban Du Police Station, for further questioning and to be informed of the charges. The doctor revealed details that before the incident, he was driving home from work in Chiang Rai city to his university dormitory. Upon reaching the accident site, which was during a red light, he carelessly accelerated and, wanting to get back to his dorm quickly, ran the red light. He admitted that he did not brake and did not see the other motorcycle, which was stopped at the red light, until the last second before the collision. He panicked and tried to swerve but it was too late. He confirmed that he had not consumed any alcohol or been intoxicated, as he had driven directly from work, and his blood alcohol test showed a zero reading. The doctor who was involved stated that after regaining his composure and checking for injuries, he immediately got out of his car to check on the victims. He initially saw two injured people; one was still moving, but the other was motionless with no pulse. He prioritized helping the most critically injured person, restraining their neck and turning them to prepare for CPR. Regarding social media reports alleging he asked for sympathy about his future career, he insists he cannot recall saying that, or th at it may have been a misunderstanding. He maintains that he did not intend to do so at the time. He has attended the funeral, contributed to the initial funeral expenses, and has continuously tried to apologize to the victim's family. Although the family was initially hesitant to negotiate, requiring some distance, he affirms he will not flee and is willing to take full responsibility and compensate the victim's family for all damages until they are satisfied. Dr. Natdanai Najanchai, from the School of Law at Mae Fah Luang University, stated that the faculty and administrators have been at the scene and following up on the matter since day one. Initially, the focus was on coordinating the repatriation of the bodies of the two deceased individuals to their hometowns. Regarding legal procedures, the School of Law has been assigned by the Dean to manage the process. A working group has been established to closely monitor the criminal case to ensure compliance with legal regulations and procedures. They are als o overseeing welfare, life insurance, and compensation for the deceased's families. Furthermore, the School has assigned a team of alumni lawyers to assist in negotiating compensation claims on behalf of the bereaved families. He clearly affirmed to the public that there will be no assistance or protection of the perpetrators simply because they are university personnel. Associate Professor Dr. Preecha Suntaranan, representing the School of Medicine at Mae Fah Luang University and as the supervisor, expressed his deepest condolences regarding the incident. He affirmed that the university has a clear policy of conducting all matters in accordance with the law. When personnel commit wrongdoing, they must take responsibility and demonstrate accountability in caring for and compensating those affected, without any attempt to provide improper assistance or distort the facts whatsoever. Regarding the other injured patient currently receiving treatment, the attending physician stated that the patient sustained min or injuries to their arms and legs, but the crucial issue is a fractured facial bone. This patient is being closely monitored by a specialist in plastic surgery. Initial treatment has been successful, with vital signs stable and no neurological abnormalities. More than half of the patient is assessed as out of danger. The medical center has the capacity and readiness to provide comprehensive treatment, and there is currently no need to transfer the patient to another hospital.