Benz hit 257km/h before fatal crash

Benz hit 257km/h before fatal crash

Deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen (centre) chairs a meeting to follow up on the dealy crash in Ayutthaya. (Photo by Sunthorn Pongpao)
Deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen (centre) chairs a meeting to follow up on the dealy crash in Ayutthaya. (Photo by Sunthorn Pongpao)

AYUTTHAYA – The Mercedes-Benz that slammed into the back of a Ford Fiesta, killing two post-graduate students, was travelling at speeds of 215-257 kilometres per hour, police said.

Already charged with reckless driving causing death and property damage, and drink-driving causing death, Janepob Veeraporn, 37, will face additional charges of driving at excessive speed and driving without consideration of safety causing death, deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen said Tuesday.

Thanthaphat Horsaengchai, 34, and Kritsana Thaworn, 32, were killed March 13 when their Fiesta burst into flames following the collision with Mr Janepob's Mercedes.

Speaking after a meeting with investigators and relatives of the two students, Pol Gen Pongsapat said he expected the case would be forwarded to prosecutors before the end of April.

Police earlier asked technicians from Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong to determine the vehicle's speed as the German automaker's Thai operation lacks the expertise to analyse its Engine Control Unit, an embedded device that controls the car's functions.

Authorities also have sought court approval for a second period of detention for Mr Janepob after his first 12 days in custody ended Tuesday. He did not appear in court.

Thivakorn Horsaengchai, the father of Thanthaphat, said his family questioned Mr Janepob's refusal to submit to a blood test for drugs and alcohol, arguing he should not have the right to refuse a test.

Under Thai law, however, refusing a bood-alcohol test is equivalent to an admission of guilt in driving under the influence.

Police last week confirmed that medication found in the Mercedes belonged to Mr Janepob, who also was confirmed to have had a history of depression.

However, national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda insisted police were not concerned the suspect would claim his mental state was impaired as a reason to deflect criminal proceedings.

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