KAMPHAENG PHET, Dec 19 (TNA) – A Thai police officer was killed when a pickup truck carrying a group of illegal migrant workers crashed through a checkpoint in the lower northern province of Kamphaeng Phet.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when police set up a roadblock in Muang district following intelligence reports of a human smuggling operation transporting migrants from Tak province.
As the three suspect vehicles approached, officers attempted to stop them using a police vehicle and tire-puncturing devices.
However, one of the trucks, driven by Mr. Songphon Tipanun, sped through the checkpoint and struck a police officer, identified as Pol.Cpl. Nattawat Phawatratpong. The impact sent the officer flying into a nearby light pole, killing him instantly. The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended.
The trucks were carrying 19 Myanmar migrants, including 11 men and eight women, who were being smuggled into the country’s Tak province and were heading to Uthai Thani province. Each driver confessed to receiving 8,000 baht per trip.
All migrant workers were destined for various provinces, including Bangkok, Chonburi, and surrounding areas. They planned to evade police detection by hiding in various locations before being picked up by brokers for employment.
During questioning, the driver who caused the fatal crash claimed he did not see the police vehicle and panicked when he realized he had hit the officer. However, police said they believe he intentionally rammed the checkpoint.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Opas Kongmueang, the provincial police chief, said that the case is still under investigation to identify victims.
The suspects face charges including harboring illegal migrants, and reckless driving causing death.
The deceased officer was posthumously promoted to the rank of Pol.Sub-Lt. and his family has received a 1.1 million baht compensation. The National Police Office has ordered a review of checkpoint procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. -819 (TNA)
