PATTAYA, Thailand – A 35-year-old woman allegedly drove a car into a roadside grocery shop and a motorcycle with a sidecar before fleeing the scene and later crashing into another motorcyclist, who was seriously injured, in East Pattaya on September 19. Police at Nongprue Police Station received a report at about 10:10 p.m. that a car had crashed into a grocery shop and damaged property before fleeing the scene and subsequently hitting a local resident in Soi Wat Boon Samphan, Khao Noi. Police and rescuers from Sawang Boriboon were sent to investigate.
At the first crash site, a motorcycle with a sidecar had been badly damaged after being struck in front of the grocery shop. Goods and other items were scattered across the pavement, while the impact also damaged the grocery shop and a nearby cannabis shop. The car involved was a white Honda Accord, Bangkok registration. Its front end was heavily damaged. Witnesses said the driver did not stop to check on the damage or offer assistance. Instead, she reportedly accelerated away from the scene.
Residents and the shop owner who witnessed the crash followed the car. During the pursuit, the Honda collided with another motorcycle travelling along the road, seriously injuring its rider.
Rescuers provided first aid before taking the injured motorcyclist to hospital.
Residents continued following the car for more than 3 kilometres until it reached Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man 14, where they were able to stop the vehicle and detain the driver before police arrived.
Police identified the driver as 35-year-old Nittaya Wanaphan. Officers found an opened beer bottle inside the car and said the woman appeared to be intoxicated. She reportedly did not provide information to officers.
Police took her to Nongprue Police Station for an alcohol test and further legal proceedings.
Sangkhom Saramano, 57, the grocery shop owner, said he and his wife were sitting inside the shop when the white car suddenly crashed into the motorcycle with a sidecar parked outside. The impact sent the sidecar into the shop, damaging property and merchandise. The driver then reportedly reversed and sped away. Police were examining the crash and alcohol-test results before proceeding with charges under the law.
