Children orphaned as drunk ten wheel trucker kills parents - they were all in the back of a pick-up. Whatever happened to ban on travelling in back of pick-ups? ASEAN NOW notes that some years ago the Thai government tried to ban people travelling in the rear of pick-ups amid safety concerns. ASEAN NOW



Picture: Thai Rath

 

Ban Haet police and rescue services were called after a ten wheel truck plowed into the back of an Isuzu pick-up waiting at the lights yesterday late afternoon.

 

It happened at the Sirinthorn Hospital crossroads on the Mitraphap Highway heading towards Nong Khai in Ban Haet district.

 

The driver of the pick-up and his wife suffered only minor injuries.

 

But a family of four travelling in the bed of the pick-up were thrown onto the road along with their possessions.

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Dead at the scene were Chokechai, 38, and his wife Saifon, 39.

 

Their children aged 11 and 8 were rushed to Sirinthorn Hospital with critical injuries, reported Thai Rath. 

 

The driver of a Hino truck had picked up a load from Khon Kaen and was heading north. He ended up in the central ditch.

 

Thiap Paenoi, 45, the trucker, said he experienced a microsleep.

 

He was drunk, with a 50 mg result.

 

He admitted to drinking a little.

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Pol Capt Preeyathida Sukasa said the family had rented the pick-up to travel from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

Police are waiting on reports before charging the trucker.

 

ASEAN NOW notes that some years ago the Thai government tried to ban people travelling in the rear of pick-ups amid safety concerns.

 

The move failed utterly as such carnage on the roads continues unabated.