Ubon ratchathani: Relatives are grieving and preparing the venue to receive the body of "Dr. Ton" for funeral rites. At the funeral hall of Wat Kan Lueang, Tambon Kham Yai, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, the atmosphere at the temple is somber as Dr. Thirasak Kaewamattavong, Associate Professor and physician specializing in respiratory diseases and critical care medicine, is being laid to rest. He was seriously injured after being hit by a British motorcyclist while walking for exercise on the Koh Phangan-Thong Sala road. He was subsequently transferred to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok before his death. Some relatives had arrived earlier to prepare the venue, setting up a white refrigerated coffin and decorating the area with white curtains in anticipation of his return to Ubon Ratchathani.
According to Thai News Agency, following a special funeral ceremony for Dr. Ton yesterday held by Ramathibodi Hospital, the procession departed Bangkok at 5:00 AM this morning and is expected to arrive at Wat Kan Lueang around 3:00 PM. The Buddhist funeral rites will begin tonight and continue until June 11th, with the cremation scheduled for June 12th at 4:00 PM. The family and close friends are awaiting the arrival of the body.
The suspect has been charged primarily with traffic offenses, in addition to seven counts of possession and use of a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine). Furthermore, he faces additional charges for using a Thai national employed as a tour boat driver to conceal ownership and establish a tour company, as well as four counts of operating an unlicensed tour company. In total, he faces 11 charges, including establishing an illegal tour company and causing a fatal car accident.