Chiang Mai Hainanese Chicken Rice Shop Destroyed by Drunken Driver; Owner Seeks 10-Year Installment Plan for 1.3 Million Baht Damage

A tragic traffic accident caused by drunk driving has occurred in Chiang Mai city, northern Thailand. On September 9th, in the city center, a pickup truck driven by a man lost control and crashed violently into a popular Hainanese chicken rice shop. The shocking incident resulted in significant damage to the shop's structure, with kitchen equipment and interior furnishings also being shattered. According to MGR Online (Regional) reports, the total estimated damage is expected to reach 1.3 million baht (approximately 5 million yen). The shop owner expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of the establishment, which they had operated for many years. Furthermore, it is reported that the owner is requesting the perpetrator to propose a 10-year installment payment plan for the damages. This incident highlights the severe problem of drunk driving within Thailand and its impact on the local economy and small business owners. Small businesses, particularly in provincial towns, often have limited safety nets to recover from such unexpected damages, making the consequences immeasurable. Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's premier tourist destinations, visited by many local residents and tourists. The long-term effects of this accident on the local economy and people's lives remain to be seen.