The owner of a luxury car dealership was today charged over the deaths of two students after he he slammed his Mercedes into their car in Ayutthaya on Sunday.
Jenphop Weeraporn, 37, was charged with reckless driving four days after the incident, during which he was driving at an estimated speed of 200 kph when he crashed into the car, killing Kritsana Thaworn, 32, and Thanthapat Horsaeng, 34, both masters’ graduates from Bangkok’s Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Thais had taken to social media this week to criticize the delay in charging the driver, expressing concern that his social status would protect him from the law, according to Bangkok Biz News.
Jenphop, the owner of Luxotic Automotive, was questioned at Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok today where he is being treated for injuries he sustained in the crash.
He suffered from a knee injury and was initially admitted to the intensive care unit at a local hospital. But because his family immediately transferred him to Samitivej, he was not tested for drugs and alcohol.
However, in attempt to shake off the public’s criticism, Ayutthaya investigator officer Pol. Lt. Col. Somsak Polpankang confirmed to the press today that Jenphop “did not smell of alcohol on the day of the accident.”
The Sunday crash was captured on a dashcam of a witness. The video, which has gone viral, shows how fast he sped into the Ford Fiesta driven by the two deceased.
Editor’s Note: The date of the dashcam is incorrect, as the witness did not set the date.
Police reportedly found the car speed meter pointing at 200 kph when they rescued Jenphop.
Rescue volunteers also found a bag of antidepressant pills in his car, which can cause drowsiness. Police will investigate if he took the medication before the accident, Daily News reported.
Meanwhile, Jenphop’s father Jessada said today that the doctors will examine his son’s brain because “he cannot remember the accident,” adding that was not the right time to address the charges because both parties are dealing with the loss.
Jessada added he has spoken to the families of the two students and conducted a traditional ceremony to apologize to them for his son’s actions, INN News reported.
