About 40 days after first appearing at a Thai Police Station claiming he drove the car that hit Doctor Hathaiporn (Mor Muk) Imwitthaya, Colonel Saksit Phuklam reported to the Phayathai Police station to be formally charged with attempted murder.

Depending on which online news you follow, the Bangkok Post or The Nation, the accident occurred on either June 11th or June 4th with the Colonel going to the Thai Police only after some public outcry on Thai TV and in the Thai newspapers.

Phayathai Thai Police Station

The Bangkok Post reported the story yesterday, Colonel charged in hit-and-run case, and gives very little additional information. About all it said is that the Colonel reported to the Thai Police station, was asked a few questions by the Thai Police and then released. Yes, I said released. Lord knows what happens next.

The Nation provided a little more information in an article today, Colonel faces attempted murder charges, and gives the date of the accident as June 4. A separate article on the Doctor’s recovery, Skill, devotion helping doctor recover, states that the accident was on June 11. I wish they would settle on one date.

Anyhow, Colonel Saksit showed up at the Thai Police station with his JAG lawyers in tow and left without talking to the media:

Saksit was also questioned by investigators in front of Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano and Metropolitan Police Division 1 chief Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai, before leaving the precinct without making any comment to reporters there.

And, it looks like the Colonel is ready to suck up and beg for a low settlement:

Saksit’s lawyer briefly said his client wanted Hathaiporn, 34, who remains in hospital recovering from severe brain injuries, to get well soon so she could serve society, and that if he had a chance he would visit her.

Colonel Saksit Phuklam should be in JAIL. He should have been incarcerated back on June 18th when he admitted he was the driver (though many still do not believe it).

Amnuay said Saksit, although he admitted what happened, denied that he had any intention to seriously injure or kill Hathaiporn. Saksit also wanted police to coordinate the assistance of Hathaiporn’s family and arrange his visit to Hathaiporn and to talk to her mother.

That is Thai Police talk for negotiating the settlement to keep the Colonel out of jail.

Watch the video and see if he intended to harm the Doctor.

Amnuay also commented about some doubts whether Saksit was actually the culprit, saying the police investigation was based on facts and could not just follow rumours. He said everything was clear and everyone was on the same page.

A couple of weeks ago, the Thai Police forensics “experts” were reviewing video and about 40 photos with the results to be announced in a couple of days. Never heard a thing. As far as everyone being on the same page, it is only because they have had 1 1/2 months to get stories straight.

On a positive note, the Doctor seems to be recuperating well and re-learning how to walk and talk again. I just hope she remembers what actually happened and is able to testify whether it be in a military or civilian court.

Will be interesting to see if the Thai Police can make the attempted murder charge stick.

Tags: accident attempted murder coma doctor saksit phuklam thai police