Bangkok: The injured passenger has voiced concerns over a distressing incident where a taxi crashed into the back of a bus, leaving her with significant injuries and no subsequent care or compensation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. A (pseudonym), a 46-year-old bank employee, sought assistance from Mr. Ekkapop Lueangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive page. She reported that the taxi driver exhibited signs of extreme stress and possible hallucinations before crashing into a bus. This incident resulted in Ms. A suffering from a fractured skull, a broken nose, and deformed arms, with medical bills amounting to over 1.9 million baht.
Mr. Ekkapop detailed that the incident occurred on October 13, 2024, when Ms. A was traveling to visit her family at a hospital. The taxi, hailed on Sukhumvit 39, veered recklessly in traffic before colliding with a bus. The accident left Ms. A with severe injuries, necessitating her transport to Bumrungrad Hospital for treatment including a 21-day hospital stay. She has since been seeking justice and compensation, questioning the police's response to the incident.
Calls for action have been made by Mr. Ekkapop, urging the Department of Land Transport to implement stringent measures for regular drug and mental health checks for public vehicle drivers. This comes amid concerns over the potential threat posed by drivers with similar behavioral issues.
Ms. A recounted her experience, noting the taxi driver's agitation over an unpaid fare by a previous passenger. This agitation seemingly contributed to the erratic driving that led to the crash at a red light. Her injuries have led to ongoing medical needs, including physical therapy, with her family having filed a police report at Phaya Thai Police Station shortly after the incident.
The victim also disclosed that the taxi driver has a history of theft, raising further questions about the screening of public transport drivers. Despite an insurance company contacting the police post-discharge from the hospital, there remains a lack of clarity on whether the driver has been subjected to drug or alcohol testing.
Relatives have expressed frustration over the police's handling of the case, facing difficulties in contacting the authorities and the taxi garage owner. Ms. A continues to worry about the safety of public transportation, questioning the lack of proper screening and coordination following the incident. She is left to manage the significant financial burden of her treatment independently, with no outreach from the taxi driver or the investigation officer.