A Thai actor, who was driving the jet ski involved in a fatal collision on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, has been brought in for questioning.
The collision on Saturday night, August 16, between the jet ski and a small river ferry, killed 2 people and injured 2 others. The man driving the jet ski, Thai actor Shindanai Sae Lim, claims he didn’t see the small boat as it had no lights as it crossed the river. However, it has also subsequently emerged that the 21 year old is not qualified to drive a jet ski.
It’s understood Shindanai, his girlfriend, and her mother (both passengers on the jet ski) were part of a group of 11 people travelling back from a restaurant on 5 jet skis. The actor’s girlfriend, 17 year old Nanyaree Minhongdee, and her 41 year old mother, Onlada Silanong, were both injured in the collision.
The driver of the boat, 64 year old Prayoon Uampathum, and a female passenger, 44 year old Parichat Hoiman, were both flung into the water and drowned.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Samut Prakan Marine Office has banned use of the jet ski and brought the owner and Shindanai in for questioning. The Bangkok Post reports that the jet ski is legally registered and the pair were asked to bring the registration documents and helmsman certificate.
As Shindanai does not have such a certificate, he could be charged with driving without the appropriate qualification. This could mean a fine of up to 10,000 baht and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
Yesterday, August 19, the actor arrived at the Marine Office at around 11.45am, accompanied by his father.
Meanwhile, an acquaintance of the boat driver has posted on social media to say Prayoon always used a headlamp when driving, casting doubt on the actor’s claim that the boat had no lights.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
