SONGKHLA: A sport utility vehicle crashed into a security checkpoint in Hat Yai district on Monday morning, injuring two policemen and a soldier.
The accident occurred about 5.10am at a makeshift checkpoint on the Hat Yai-bound side of Phetkasem highway in front of Tesco Lotus department store in Hat Yai Municipality, Pol Lt Col Konkiat Nuiniam, a Hat Yai police duty officer, said.
The checkpoint, a tent on the side of the road, was manned by Pol Sub-Lt Wanna Chan-iad, 55, and Pol Lt Tatpichai Kittiyotpat, 56, of Hat Yai police station, and Pvt Madsabi Thingphom, of the 42nd Military Circle at Senanarong military camp in Hat Yai.
Witnesses said a Toyota Fortuner travelling at speed slewed off the highway and ran into the tent, where the two police officers and the soldier were sitting.
The tent and those inside it were dragged about 10 metres along the ground. The car came to a halt on the road median strip.
Pol Sub-Lt Wanna and Pol Lt Tatpichai were severely hurt, and Pvt Madsabi received eye injuries. The policemen were admitted to Hat Yai Hospital and the soldier taken to Songklanagarind Hospital in Ha Yai.
The SUV driver, Kornmit Somboonsap, 22, was injured in the left leg. He was taken to Hat Yai Hospital.
A police motorcycle parked near the tent was also damaged.
Mr Kornmit was initially charged with reckless driving causing injuries and damage to public property.
He would also be blood-tested for alcohol, to establish whether he was driving under the influence, Pol Lt Col Konkiat said