The Malaysian driver involved in the road accident killing five grass cutters in Songkhla, southern Thailand did not possess a valid licence.

The 30-year-old woman was charged with reckless driving resulting in deaths and damage to public property.

The driver faces a 10-year jail term and a fine of not more than 20,000 baht (RM2,721) if found guilty.

Thai police agreed to reduce bail from 500,000 baht (RM68,000) to 200,000 baht (RM27,000).

However, she was prohibited from leaving Thailand until the conclusion of the case.

The driver also needs to pay cash compensation of 50,000 baht (RM6,764) each to the families of the victims amounting to 250,000 baht (RM33,823).

She has yet to give any feedback on the compensation payments and bail.

She was also fined 200 baht (RM28) for driving without a valid licence.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian ambassador to Thailand Jojie Samuel said the embassy would monitor the case closely.

“The embassy will provide the appropriate consulate assistance needed,” he told Bernama.

Family members of the victims, the driver and consulate representatives had a meeting regarding the compensation money at the Rattaphum police station in Songkhla today.

Yesterday, the woman and two of her friends were on the way from Krabi to Hatyai when their car ploughed into six grass cutters who were resting on the roadside in the Rattaphum District of Songkhla.

In the 2.40pm incident, five grass cutters died while another sustained severe injuries. The driver and her friends sustained light injuries.

An initial investigation found the driver lost control of the vehicle and skidded to the side of the road before ramming into the victims.

Police said the vehicle involved in the incident only had a valid road tax but wasn't covered by insurance.

- Bernama