Drink-driving tycoon indicted but escapes murder charge

Somchai Werotepipat, 57, a business tycoon involved in a drink-driving accident that killed a police officer and his wife, was ordained as a novice monk as part of his merit-making for the Ngamsuwittchakun couple on April 19, 2019. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

A business tycoon involved in a drink-driving accident that killed a police officer and his wife, and injured their daughter, has been indicted in the Talingchan Court, which has set July 31 for the delivery of the verdict, according to media reports.

On April 11, Somchai Werojpipat, 56, a factory owner, rammed his Mercedes-Benz sports car into a car driven by Pol Lt Col Jatuporn Ngamsuwichakul, deputy chief investigator of the 2nd Sub-Division of the Crime Suppression Division, while driving under the influence.

The police officer and his wife were killed in the accident, which took place in Bangkok's Thawi Watthana district. Their youngest daughter, who was also in the car, was injured.

Police initially charged the tycoon with murder and attempted murder, which carry severe penalties, citing the grave consequences of the accident caused by drink-driving.

But the prosecutors of the Thonburi Criminal Litigation Office 5 decided to indict Mr Somchai in the Talingchan Court on three charges: driving over the speed limit; driving while drunk or intoxicated, causing deaths, injuries and damage to property; and reckless driving in a manner that could cause death, serious injury or damage to property.

The prosecutors dropped the murder and attempted murder charges proposed by the police, reasoning that the factors surrounding the accident did not justify them.

Before the indictment, Mr Somchai was released on 200,000-baht bail.

The court has set July 31, at 9am, for the delivery of its verdict.