Welder killed after drunk driver crashes pickup truck into machinery shop in Chonburi, driver arrested

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News

Chonburi –

A 35-year-old man who was welding and in the middle of a work shift died after a drunk driver crashed his pickup truck into a shop in the Phan Thong district.

The Phan Thong Police were notified of the accident at a shop in Soi Baan Gao 3 in the Baan Gao sub-district in the early afternoon on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022.

Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the body of Mr. Apirak Somrak, 35, from Buriram. He suffered from multiple wounds to his skull and arms and was believed to have been killed nearly immediately in the accident.

Nearby, first responders found three damaged trucks, a car, and a motorbike.

Mrs. Jutarat Sonraksa, 46, who said she is Mr. Apirak’s girlfriend, told TPN media, “My boyfriend (Apirak) was a welder who was working in front of the shop, where he was employed. A pickup driver lost control at a nearby curve, crashing into my boyfriend, the shop, and three other vehicles. My boyfriend never even saw this coming as his back was turned while welding equipment.”

The pickup truck driver was later identified by police as Mr. Surakit Panggao, 28, who was described by police as heavily intoxicated. Police conducted an alcohol breath test which was over the limit, according to officers, although they did not release the exact BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) to reporters. Surakit was immediately taken into custody and was unable to give a statement due to his advanced state of intoxication.

Police said the driver is facing charges of drunk driving causing death and damages.

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than four years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.