Why is it that drivers of trucks always run away from an accident site? Will that bring extra punishment when/if they get him and he is sentenced? To do a hit and run in Europe or the US will be a serious crime in itself. Maybe not so in Thailand?

Posted by christian on August 17, 2011 04:27

probably so he doesn't lose face.

Posted by poppop on August 17, 2011 07:10

did some reading on ths as i've been involved in two hit and runs since being on the island. Most people who run are running from a high fine and or long judicial process. When they could actually stop and save a life...not taking the responsibility for a serious injury could and mostly does lead to that person's death. It's right up there with manslaughter i think.

"The law governing traffic offences in Thailand is the Land Traffic Act BE 2522 (1979) (the Act)."

"If you can't identify the other party in an accident, even in a hit-and-run, it may be impossible to collect from your insurance company. In case of accident, therefore, one of the first things to do is get the licence plate number of the other car."

"The Act imposes a duty on a driver to stop and report an accident where the driver has been involved in an accident that caused damage to the person or property of another. This means giving your full name, address and vehicle registration number to the other party and reporting the accident to a police officer on duty near the scene. It applies no matter who was at fault."

"If a driver escapes and does not give the information required, the Act says that the driver doing so will be considered to have been at fault. Also, if this driver has escaped on foot, leaving his or her vehicle, the vehicle will be confiscated. If the driver does not appear to collect the car within six months, it will be become the property of the state."

"There are additional penalties for not stopping at or reporting an accident. According to sections 78 and 160 of the Act, the hit-and-run driver is exposed to a fine and/or up to three months in jail."

Posted by lionking on August 17, 2011 09:02