Bus driver arrested over yaba

Bus driver arrested over yaba

A Bangkok suburban bus driver has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs after his vehicle with passengers on board broke down in Thon Buri.

Traffic police from Bukkhalo station on Thursday were sent to clear the traffic congestion caused by the broken down air-conditioned bus at the foot of Krungthep Bridge.

The private bus No. 75, running from Wat Buddhabucha to Hua Lamphong station, and driven by Sombat Khunkaew, had been unable to move because of a snapped axle.

As the officers were asking him about the problem, he showed symptoms of being drugged and was taken for urine tests inside the police traffic control room at the Bukkhalo intersection. The tests were positive and the 46-year-old man was taken to the police station.

Mr Sombat said he had taken one methamphetamine pill before leaving home to pick up his bus because he had not had enough sleep the previous night.

Chayant Benjathikul, the traffic police chief at the station, charged him with taking drugs and confiscated his public transport driver's licence.

Pol Lt Col Chayant said passengers had often complained about buses on the route speeding and other traffic violations.

The private bus is operated by Srisawad Yonthakuj Co which received concessions from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.

Police plan to hold talks with the firm to make them stiffen up the rules on its drivers, he added.

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