Police have pressed a drugs charge against a driver who crashed his car into several motorcycles, killing two and injuring more than a dozen in Pattaya on Monday, after they found traces of an illicit drug in his urine.
Akaradej Udomrat told police after the accident on Monday morning that he fell unconscious behind the wheel after suffering a seizure. The police had Mr Akaradej undergo a drug and alcohol urine test.
The man's urine test turned out positive for drug use, Pattaya police chief Aphichai Kropphet said Tuesday.
He tested positive for a type of methamphetamine, Pol Col Aphichai said, citing the medical report.
Investigators have not yet confirmed whether it was mixed with medicines that were reportedly found in his car.
Though it is still unclear how the 44-year-old driver obtained the substance, police decided to charge him with drug abuse. He was also denied bail, Pol Col Aphichai said.
The police will today seek approval from the Pattaya Provincial Court to detain him for 12 days.
Pol Col Aphichai said Mr Akaradej is likely to face other charges, including reckless driving causing death and injuries. On Monday police had to protect him at the scene of the accident in front of the Tukcom Pattaya building when angry locals tried to attack him, following the fatal crash that killed two and injured 15.
Mr Akaradej crashed his car into motorcycles taking students to classes on South Pattaya Road, according to police.
Mr Akaradej said he is an epileptic and suddenly had a fit while driving. The suspect tested negative for alcohol. But as a result of the drug test result, the investigators need to further check the medicines he was regularly taking as well as verify his claim that the accident occurred due to his illness.
Earlier in October, the Department of Land Transport announced that motorists with certain illnesses including epilepsy must pass a medical examination before applying for or renewing their driving licences.
Medical certificates stating that it is safe for the applicants to drive are required by the department. The requirement for checks has yet to come into effect.
