A man who was drunk at the wheel when he killed a couple and injured their daughter in a head-on collision in Thawi Watthana district last week has vowed to provide care for their two children.
Somchai Werotepipat, owner of Thai Carbon & Graphite Co, appeared intoxicated when he rammed his Mercedes-Benz into a Suzuki Swift driven by Pol Lt Col Chatuporn Ngamsuwittchakun of the Crime Suppression Division on Thawi Watthana-Kanchanaphisek Road at 11.30pm on Thursday.
Pol Lt Col Chatuporn was killed instantly while his wife succumbed to her wounds. Their 12-year-old daughter, Pitchayapha Ngamsuwittchakun, sustained serious injuries including a brain haemorrhage.
Mr Somchai was granted bail by the court.
The 57-year-old businessman turned up at Sala Daeng police station yesterday for more questioning about the case.
He told the media that he visited the injured girl at Bangkok Hospital earlier yesterday. He said Pitchayapha's condition was improving.
"This is the most bitter lesson of my life," said Mr Somchai. "I may quit drinking for life."
He said he wanted to apologise for what he did and that he hoped for forgiveness.
"I can confirm that I will make sure the two (orphans) receive the best care," Mr Somchai said, referring to Pitchayapha and her sibling, who is studying overseas.
"I will provide financial support for their education for as long as they need."
Fifty-nine people were killed and 598 injured in 567 traffic accidents on Sunday, the fourth day of the "Seven Dangerous Days" of Songkran.
Drink driving was the main cause followed by speeding, according to assistant national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapat. Motorcycles were involved in 78% of the accidents.
Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani saw the most deaths. Nakhon Si Thammarat had most injured.
Pol Lt Gen Damrongsak said there were no road fatalities in 12 provinces.
He said almost 20,000 people had been caught drink driving, up 20% on-year. From April 11-14, 237 people have died in Thai road accidents.
