14-6-2024 (BANGKOK) A Singaporean tourist’s alleged reckless driving in the popular Thai resort city of Pattaya has resulted in a multi-vehicle collision, leaving him and at least nine others injured. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 13th, has raised concerns about road safety and the potential consequences of speeding on crowded city streets.
According to reports from Thai news outlet The Pattaya News, the incident unfolded around 12:36 a.m. on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya. The 26-year-old Singaporean, identified as Zheng Xiong, was behind the wheel of a white Honda Civic sedan when he allegedly crossed into the opposite lane at high speed and collided head-on with a pickup truck.
The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals. Zheng and his 30-year-old Singaporean passenger sustained injuries and were immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment. However, the extent of their injuries remains unclear.
The pickup truck, which was carrying 12 passengers at the time of the accident, bore the brunt of the damage. All 12 individuals on board, comprising government officials and village health volunteers, suffered varying degrees of injuries, ranging from abrasions to head trauma. Nine of the passengers sustained significant injuries and required medical attention.
Ekachai, the 62-year-old driver of the pickup truck, recounted the harrowing incident to Thai media. He revealed that he was transporting the group back to their hotel in Jomtien after a study tour in Pattaya when the collision occurred. “The car came at high speed, lost control, and hit us hard,” Ekachai stated, expressing his relief at emerging unscathed, which he attributed to the protective power of an amulet he was wearing.
Pattaya police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Authorities plan to review CCTV footage and conduct alcohol tests on both drivers to determine if impaired driving or excessive speed played a role in the collision.
