The driver who disappeared after a crash that killed a cyclist earlier this week turned himself in to police Wednesday, claiming the shock forced him to run away.
Saran Inthanin, 23, who arrived with his lawyer at Khok Khram police station Wednesday afternoon, denied he was driving under the influence as was widely alleged on social media.
He fled the scene after he crashed his car into a group of cyclists in front of Bangkok Boulevard housing estate on Ratchada-Ram Intra Road about 8.30pm on Monday, killing one and injuring two.
Thanyakorn Densirimongkol, 31, succumbed to her injuries hours after being admitted to Phaya Thai Navamin Hospital.
Mr Saran told police he didn't mean to flee the scene, nor did he know about the dead victim until he saw a post on social media.
He said he was shocked by the accident and walked away after asking the rescue team to take care of the female cyclist.
He consulted his family and lawyer before turning himself in. (Story continues below)
This is the Honda Jazz that ran over and killed Juthaporn Densirimongkol on Monday evening. Saran Inthanin, 23, (inset) turned himself in to police on advice of his lawyer, and strongly denied he was drunk at the time he claimed he ran into a group of cyclists. (Photos by Thanarak Khunton, Apichart Jinakul)
Pol Col Kittichet Sakayapapwichanon said Mr Saran didn't know that Thanyakorn had died at a hospital following the accident on Monday evening so he went home after having a check-up at a hospital.
Police said Mr Saran admitted he lost control of his car while trying to overtake another vehicle and crashed into the group of cyclists.
He told police he was driving at 60km/h to 70km/hour. He also denied stealing the car, saying the owner is the former boyfriend of his woman friend who was in the car at the time of the accident.
Mr Saran was later taken to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for further questioning.
His lawyer prepared 250,000 baht for bail but this had not been approved last night.
In response to a series of fatal accidents in the past week, Pol Maj Gen Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau responsible for traffic control, said police will push for stiffer penalties against drink drivers.
Meanwhile, in response to a series of accidents, deputy Bangkok governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said City Hall was aware of a significant increase in cyclists in the capital.
City commuters have been encouraged to use bicycles as an alternative means of transport, he said, adding City Hall is trying to provide new protected bike lanes and improve existing ones for commuters.
The deputy governor also expressed concern over recreational cycling groups who often take main roads to old town areas.
He encouraged cyclists to avoid main roads and encouraged those cycling for exercise to ride in public parks.
Meanwhile, a group of cyclists in mourning will gather at the Ministry of Interior today to submit an open letter to Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, demanding safer roads for all users and justice for accident victims.
They will come wearing white T-shirts and black armbands to press their case, a spokesman said.