Tragic Drunk Driving Incident in Nakhon Ratchasima Claims Officer’s Life

In the peaceful town of Nakhon Ratchasima, an unsettling commotion broke the otherwise calm Monday afternoon. The tranquility was shattered when a Honda CR-V, driven by a 75-year-old named Somsak Asaichao, rudely made its presence known near Ban Don Kwang School by veering off course and tragically altering the lives of many. The somber incident, which happened in the late afternoon, left devastation in its wake, casting a pall over the community.

The culprit of this unfortunate saga was none other than Mr. Somsak, who had joined a drinking spree that day, only to turn a moment of revelry into one of peril. As the clock ticked towards 4:15 pm, and as the school children cheerfully made their way home, his intoxication took the wheel. With little warning, his vehicle plowed through the unsuspecting crowd gathered on Phetmatula Road, tambon Hua Talay, affecting students, parents, and one hapless vendor alike.

Amidst the chaos, the life of 57-year-old Pol Lt Wimut Tansupho, a respected officer and deputy traffic chief inspector, was lost. Mourning ensued as Mr. Somsak’s SUV collided with multiple vehicles before finally coming to a halt on its side, sideswiped against a school fence and teetering ominously beside a vendor’s stall. The scene painted a grim picture—an emblem of recklessness on an otherwise ordinary school day.

Beyond the tragic fatality, nine others were drawn into the tragedy, each carrying their own story of survival marred by injury. Four students suffered, with three reported to be seriously injured, casting a shadow over their youthful spirits. Parents awaiting their children’s return found themselves embroiled in the disaster, as did a hard-working vendor unexpectedly thrust into the frenzy.

Pol Maj Gen Narongrit Dansuwan, provincial police chief, solemnly reported Mr. Somsak’s arrest. With no room for leniency, bail was promptly denied, ensuring his residency at the local police station began immediately. The once-celebrated driver now faced severe charges, his actions leaving an indelible mark not only on the survivors but on a town that hesitated to move past the grief.

Yet, perhaps most astounding was Mr. Somsak’s reported lack of awareness about the havoc he had wrought. The depth of his oblivion, spurred by intoxication, became a core of the discourse, as conversations circulated about the dire consequences of drunk driving. His potential sentence could stretch up to a decade behind bars, accompanied by a hefty fine that reached 200,000 baht.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Ban Don Kwang School suspended its operations on Tuesday. Teachers, students, and the broader community paid tribute to Officer Tansupho, whose dedication to the town had been cut short but whose impact would resonate long beyond his farewell rites. In a town now burdened by the weight of grief, healing seemed a distant promise but one the community vowed to chase together.