COPS are hunting an American who crashed into a British family while allegedly driving drunk on a motorbike in Thailand.
Gregory Yamada, 39, ploughed into a couple and their four-year-old daughter while on a dream holiday, leaving them with critical injuries.
The Brit dad, 36, said the driver was “evidently still very drunk” and showed “no remorse” after the crash.
His wife, 40, was knocked unconscious in the horror smash and suffered severe injuries to her head and body.
Their daughter’s eyes, face and body were injured when she was thrown into the air.
She also suffered a sinus fracture from the impact to her face.
The family were on holiday in Thailand and walking along a footpath on the island of Koh Chang when they were hit.
Yamada, from San Jose, California, was allegedly four times over the limit at the scene.
He was driving a powerful Honda motorbike and was charged with “driving while drunk causing a crash that injured other people”.
Cops have since issued an arrest warrant for him after the fugitive is thought to have fled across the border to Cambodia.
The Brit dad said they’ve since returned to the UK after the crash in January but are still recieving medical treatment.
He said: “The injuries my partner and daughter suffered were horrific. From what I witnessed, they are lucky to still be alive.
“At the hospital on the night of the crash he was evidently still very drunk and denied any involvement. I could not believe it.
“There was no sign of accountability or remorse. Unless he is brought to justice, I fear he could do the same thing again.
“We love Koh Chang and the people there. We come as often as we can and had saved up all year for our holiday, but this experience completely ruined things for us just a few days into our trip.
“I was informed that the suspect is an expat and owns a business in Koh Chang, so somebody may know his whereabouts. My priority is to get my family well and see him face justice.”
The holiday cost them around £5,000 for a 25-day break – but the horror crash happened only days in.
A police report said officers were at the scene just 15 minutes after the crash, which happened just before 8pm, and all four of them were taken to hospital.
Yamada was then due to appear in court, but never showed up.
However the arrest warrant out for Yamada said police had “a reasonable suspicion that the suspect will flee”.
If he returns to Thailand, is arrested and found guilty in court he could face a minimum of three years behind bars.
The maximum penalty in the country for injuring someone while driving drunk is up to six years and a fine of over £2,600.
Police Lieutenant Chotisiri from Koh Chang police station said: “The suspect was arrested and charged with drunk driving causing the crash.
“The details of the case were given to the court and he was due to appear there.
“There are no other suspects in the case and all of the evidence was given to the court.”
Ellie Doughty
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