A police officer was injured after being hit by a drunk driver while on traffic duty in Amphawa district of Samut Songkhram on Saturday.
The incident occurred near a U-turn in front of a gas bottling factory on Samut Songkhram-Bang Phae road in tambon Bang Chang of Amphawa district.
Pol Sen Sgt Maj Nichet Huayyaem, attached to Amphawa police, was directing traffic at around 6.30pm to accommodate HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's convoy to chair a ceremony at King Rama II Memorial Park.
When a blue Honda car nearly hit him at high speed, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Nichet jumped back and into the path of a white Toyota Vios, leaving him severely injured. He was taken to Somdej Phra Phutthaloetla Hospital in Tambon Mae Klong, suffering from breathing difficulties and a leg wound.
CCTV footage showed the two cars were likely racing each other.
The Toyota Vios driver, Pornchai Chusuttisakun, 43, told police he had been driving on the left side of the road until the blue Honda veered into his lane. He said had no idea the officer was there until the last minute and was shocked when the collision happened.
A breathalyser test showed 240 milligrammes per litre of blood, nearly five times over the legal limit of 50mg.
A source said Pol Maj Gen Somphob Khuhawichanan, Samut Songkhram Provincial Police chief, and Pol Col Phetkla Taweekan, Amphawa police chief, are keeping abreast of the officer's condition.