Truck driver charged over dangerous driving on Thepkrasattri Road

Thalang Police have charged a truck driver with reckless driving likely to endanger others after video footage showed an oil truck making abrupt lane changes and braking suddenly on Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang.

Police said the footage showed the truck travelling northbound before the driver indicated and moved abruptly into the right lane. With a car blocking his way, the driver then signalled again with very short notice and moved back into the left lane, forcing a white car nearly off the road.

After the white car fell in behind the truck, the driver then braked abruptly, alarming other motorists and raising fears of a serious crash, according to the video described by police.

The footage circulated widely on social media, where many viewers urged authorities to investigate and use the case as an example against dangerous driving.

Thalang Police said on July 1 that traffic officers had tracked down the driver and summoned him for questioning before issuing a citation. Police also ordered the transport company to ensure all drivers undergo stricter road safety training and warned that further traffic violations would not be tolerated.

Police did not mention any incident between the white car and the truck that may have prompted what appeared to be road rage by the truck driver.

Thalang Police added that the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office had also started legal action by issuing formal notices of alleged offences to both the transport operator and the truck driver. Both have been summoned to acknowledge the charges before fines and other legal penalties are imposed in line with the law.

Police said the enforcement action followed public complaints received through social media. Authorities have not yet announced what penalties may be imposed by the land transport office as the case remains under legal process.