Young Man Seeks Justice After Former Drunk Police Officer Grazes His Car and Refuses Compensation, Invokes Rank During Negotiations

A young man is seeking justice after being struck by a former police officer who allegedly showed signs of intoxication, grazed his vehicle, and refused to pay damages while invoking his former rank during negotiations. The officer's wife later acknowledged going to a social gathering beforehand and expressed willingness to accept responsibility for damages.

The incident occurred on Soi Thian Talae 19, Bang Khun Thian Road, Samsen Nok Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. Thanassinpinyo, 23, who recorded the incident, explained that while traveling in a black Toyota, the other driver swerved and grazed the right rear of their vehicle before attempting to drive away. Thanassinpinyo followed and cut them off to discuss the damage.

According to Thanassinpinyo, the driver appeared intoxicated, spoke aggressively, and claimed to be a Police Colonel but refused to provide his station. When questioned about compensation, he directed them to contact his insurance company, which Thanassinpinyo interpreted as using rank to intimidate. Later, he learned the driver was indeed a retired Police Colonel. Thanassinpinyo acknowledged the claimed 30,000-baht damage figure was spoken in anger and insurance is being arranged.

Voravut, 28, the car owner, stated the incident occurred Sunday while he was driving his sister. The other driver took a turn and grazed his rear bumper. Voravut followed to discuss compensation and claims the driver threatened him by mentioning his rank, telling them as "kids" to respect their elders. He later learned the man was a retired police officer and lawyer.

Voravut said community members mediated, and both parties discussed the matter partially, but couldn't agree on compensation because the other driver proposed each side cover their own damages, which Voravut considers unfair since the other driver caused the collision. Voravut is also concerned about repair costs due to an upcoming motorcycle racing competition in Buriram Province.

The journalist later visited the driver's residence but found only his wife, who revealed both parties had spoken. She stated that if her husband has actual damages, he can claim reimbursement with receipts, and confirmed he is willing to accept responsibility truthfully.

The wife acknowledged her husband is a retired Police Colonel who has completed his service and had attended a social gathering before the incident. She suggested his blunt manner of speaking may have caused misunderstanding.