Victims Petition Justice Ministry Over Drunk Driver Crash That Killed One Friend; Case Stalled Nearly Three Years Without Compensation
Two injured victims and a lawyer petitioned Thailand's Justice Ministry on May 15 over a drunk-driving crash that killed their friend in December 2022, citing nearly three years without criminal charges filed or compensation paid despite a
On May 15, 2026, at the Justice Ministry on Chaengwattana Road, attorney Ekchai Mangtong appeared alongside two victims to petition the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry for justice in a drunk driving case that resulted in one death and two severe injuries since 2022. To date, the victims have received no compensation from the at-fault party, and the case has not progressed with no charges filed against the driver.
Victim Ms. Nathmol Lomrat recounted that the incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 30, 2022, in the Khok Khraam Police Station area. She and two friends were riding a motorcycle to buy supplies when a car suddenly collided with them from behind, killing the passenger and severely injuring both the driver and herself. They were rushed to the hospital.
Ms. Nathmol noted that investigators later determined the at-fault driver had alcohol content of 198 milligrams per percent and charges were filed. She subsequently filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages, and the defendant agreed to pay her and the injured friend 150,000 baht each. However, over two and a half years later, she has received no settlement funds—only hospital assistance payments of 5,000 baht on two or three occasions.
Ms. Nathmol stated that she had not followed up on the defendant, assuming he would contact her, but he never did. The criminal case has shown no progress from investigators. She is asking the Justice Ministry to help determine where the case is stuck. She emphasized that she and her friend still require medical treatment with ongoing expenses, and the injuries have affected their ability to work.
Attorney Ekchai said the case must be tracked to determine its current status at Khok Khraam Police Station. With nearly three years having passed and evidence being clear-cut, the case should have been filed within a year. He warned that if there is further delay or no action taken, they may file charges against the investigating officers themselves. Regarding the civil settlement, if the defendant fails to comply with the agreement, enforcement proceedings will be initiated. In the criminal case, he believes the delay stems from the investigators' failure to file charges. The victims have received no updates, prompting today's petition to the Justice Ministry for assistance.
