Nakhon sawan: A family is contesting the police's decision to attribute shared negligence in a car accident that resulted in the death of a father's girlfriend and serious injuries to the father himself. The incident has raised questions about the influence of high-ranking officials on the investigation process.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasithorn, a 30-year-old resident from Nakhon Sawan province, reported the case to the Facebook page "Sai Mai Tong Rood," seeking justice for her father and his deceased girlfriend. The accident occurred on February 18, 2026, when a drunk driver veered into their lane, leading to a fatal collision. Despite clear CCTV footage showing the other vehicle crossing into the wrong lane, the police concluded it was a case of "joint negligence."
On the day of the accident, the pair were returning home from errands when the intoxicated driver lost control, crossed the median, and collided with their car on Tha Tako-Nakhon Sawan road. The crash resulted in the death of the girlfriend and severe injuries to Ms. Sasithorn's father, including a broken leg. Tests revealed the other driver had a blood alcohol level of 290 milligrams per cent, well above the legal limit.
The police investigation, concluding on June 18, attributed negligence to Ms. Sasithorn's father for allegedly failing to brake or swerve in the seconds before the crash, despite driving in the right lane at a slow speed. This conclusion has left the family feeling unjustly treated, especially after learning that the opposing party's relatives hold influential positions in the district.
Attempts to seek compensation have been unsuccessful, with the opposing party visiting the injured driver only once. In response, "Sai Mai Tong Rood" facilitated Ms. Sasithorn's appeal to the Office of Legal Aid and Protection (OLAP) of the Attorney General, urging a review of the police's assessment of the "3-second negligence" issue.
Mr. Nirandon Yangyuen, Deputy Director-General of the Public Prosecutor's Office, stated that the office has provided legal advice and recommended filing a complaint with the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Public Prosecutor's Office. The office assured the family that the prosecutor would ensure a comprehensive investigation and that any incomplete police work would be addressed. Should the prosecutor find the charge of reckless driving unfounded, it may be dismissed, though this depends on the police submitting the case file for further review.
The family, still awaiting justice, has been encouraged to trust that the Office of the Attorney General will pursue the matter diligently, with the possibility of a more thorough investigation if initial findings are deemed insufficient.