RATCHABURI— A community is in mourning, and a family is demanding justice following a devastating hit-and-run accident on the Pikul Thong-Ban Rai Chao Nuea Road. What was supposed to be a routine journey for two young women turned into a nightmare when a reckless overtake led to a catastrophic collision, resulting in life-altering injuries and the loss of an unborn life.
The incident occurred around 12:30 AM on April 14, 2026. Two friends, identified as 21-year-old “Ms. A” and 20-year-old Ms. Thanyaporn, were traveling on a Yamaha Fino motorcycle toward the Damnoen Saduak district. According to eyewitness accounts and initial police reports from Thairath , a white pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction attempted a high-speed overtake.
The pickup truck veered into the victims’ lane, striking the motorcycle with such force that both women were thrown from the vehicle. The aftermath was grim:
- Ms. A:Suffered severe leg fractures and remains in serious condition.
- Ms. Thanyaporn:Sustained catastrophic injuries, including the loss of her leg, which was severed by the impact and found 10 meters away.
- Unborn Child:Perhaps most tragically, medical staff at Ratchaburi Hospital later confirmed that Ms. Thanyaporn, who was three months pregnant, had miscarried due to the trauma of the crash.
After a day-long manhunt fueled by social media outrage and police pressure, the driver of the pickup truck, identified as 48-year-old Mr. Khetrat, surrendered to the Ratchaburi City Police at 2:00 PM on April 15.
While under interrogation, Mr. Khetrat admitted to being behind the wheel but offered a defense that has sparked further anger among the victims’ families. He claimed he “did not know” he had hit a person, stating he believed he had struck a stray cow.
“I didn’t see the lights from the motorcycle,” Khetrat told reporters while appearing visibly stressed. He further claimed that he returned to the scene at 2:00 AM but saw no one, so he went home.
However, CCTV footage from a nearby gas station told a more calculated story. The video captured Khetrat stopping at a station shortly after the crash to inspect his shattered windshield and broken fender before changing a flat tire and continuing his journey home.
A Father’s Grief and a Search for Truth
The father of Ms. Thanyaporn, referred to as “Mr. Tor,” spoke to local news teams through tears. He revealed that his daughter is currently fighting for her life on a ventilator. Doctors have confirmed that her leg cannot be reattached, leaving her permanently disabled.
“I cannot accept this,” Mr. Tor said. “Seeing the footage of my daughter’s leg flying through the air… and then finding out I lost a grandchild. The driver didn’t even tap the brakes. He didn’t stop to look. I want the police to prosecute him to the fullest extent.”
When questioned about potential alcohol consumption, the driver initially admitted to drinking at a friend’s birthday party before quickly correcting himself, claiming he only drank water and soda. Police have since ordered a blood alcohol test to verify these claims.
The Ratchaburi Police have initially charged Mr. Khetrat with three major counts:
- Reckless driving causing serious injury.
- Causing property damage.
- Failing to stop and provide assistance (Hit and Run).
Investigating officers have currently denied bail at the precinct level, citing the severity of the case and the need for a detailed investigation. The final decision on bail will rest with the Ratchaburi Provincial Court.
As the legal battle begins, a young woman faces a long road to recovery, grieving the loss of both her limb and her child. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving and the importance of road safety, especially during the busy holiday periods in Thailand.
