Officer under influence of alcohol switched places, collision victim admitted to hospital
Brewed Trouble: Chachoengsao Cop on the Rocks Slams into Motorcyclist
CHACHOENGSAO - In a shocking turn of events, a police officer driving under the influence and sailing into a motorcyclist, resulting in considerable injuries, has been relieved of active duties.
The collision took place around 8.30pm on Monday in tambon Thung Phraya, Sanam Chai Khet district.
Surveillance footage captured the victim, Surinipha, 48, sitting on a motorbike with a sidecar outside a residence, preparing to depart. The motorcycle was struck by a speeding pickup truck, causing it to drag along the road. Consequently, Surinipha sustained a head injury and a fractured right arm, with a hospital stay expected to last three to four days, as confirmed by the provincial police office.
With the pickup truck identified as a police vehicle, the driver was revealed to be Pol Capt Saksit Chimanonwit, 52, from Wang Khu police station. Under investigation, Saksit's blood alcohol count was discovered to be 0.079%, eclipsing the legal limit of 0.05% for experienced drivers.
Following an investigation, Saksit was charged with drink-driving and reckless driving causing injury. On Wednesday, Pol Maj Kriengkrai Boonson, commander of Chachoengsao police, reassigned Saksit to an inactive post and initiated a panel to delve deeper into the case. The accused officer visited the victim at Buddhasothorn Hospital, expressed remorse, and presented her with a sum of 20,000 baht, along with his promise of additional support after Surinipha's hospital discharge.
Criminal proceedings will follow as per the law, police reported.
In an interview, Saksit echoed his regret for the incident. Coworkers characterized him as a diligent officer; however, his tendency to drink after work was noteworthy.
The accident was met with a tsunami of criticism on social media, with netizens expressing disappointment in the local police force. Comments abounded, such as, "Police are meant to protect people, but this officer himself lacked driving discipline."
Surveillance camera footage revealed Surinipha on her motorbike before being hit by the police pickup. (screenshot)
Insights:- In May 2025, Pol Capt Saksit Chimanonwit, a police officer in Chachoengsao province, Thailand, faced charges for drink-driving and reckless driving causing serious injury after a collision. His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.079%, surpassing the legal limit of 0.05% for experienced drivers.- Saksit initially fled the scene but later took responsibility, offering an apology and financial compensation to the victim, who remained in stable condition in the hospital.- A special committee was established to investigate the incident and further disciplinary action is expected.- The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, drawing attention to concerns about police accountability and the need for stricter regulations within the police force in Thailand.
- Pol Capt Saksit Chimanonwit, the police officer involved in the collision, expressed remorse for the incident.
- The accident, which occurred in May 2025, resulted in Surinipha sustaining a head injury and a fractured right arm, requiring a hospital stay of three to four days.
- In addition to the criminal charges, a special committee was established to investigate the incident further, and additional disciplinary action is expected.
- Social media users criticized the local police force following the accident, with comments questioning the accountability of police officers and calling for stricter regulations.
- Saksit, known for his tendency to drink after work, was initially relieved of active duties and later visited Surinipha at the hospital, presenting her with a sum of 20,000 baht as well as a promise of additional support after her discharge.
