CHIANG RAI – Police in Mae Sai have formally charged a 51-year-old woman who drove into a man and killed him inside a temple compound, after the case drew public attention and weeks of pressure from the victim’s family.
The incident happened on 27 September at Wat Mung Mueang, Wiang subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai. The victim, Mr. Suphat, 68, was sitting under a tree when he was struck. His son, Mr. Narueppanak, asked for justice and held the funeral while pushing for action against the driver.
The family filed a complaint soon after the crash. They said the case stalled because officers tried to mediate, and the suspect refused to answer the son’s calls. Today, the acting superintendent of Muang Chiang Rai Police Station, who also heads Mae Chan Police Station, confirmed a major step.
Investigators reviewed witness statements and CCTV footage, then concluded the act was intentional. The driver has been charged with intentional murder.
After the charge was laid, police took the suspect to Chiang Rai Provincial Court for detention. Officers had already visited the scene, gathered physical evidence, interviewed witnesses, and checked camera recordings from the day.
Hearing the update, Mr. Narueppanak said his family felt relieved that the suspect is now in police custody. He asked authorities to oppose bail in all forms. He said the family has not received an apology or any offer of compensation.
Their mental state remains fragile, and they plan to fight the case to the end so the offender faces the maximum penalty.
