On January 2, 2025, at approximately 6:46 PM, a tour bus carrying Russian tourists crashed into the Pong toll booth on the inbound route to Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand.

Tour bus crash in Surat Thani leaves 5 dead, over 30 injured

The vehicles involved were a tourist bus carrying 42 people, mainly Russian tourists, from Koh Samet in Rayong province to Pattaya, and a black Toyota Fortuner, which was rammed from behind during the collision.

33 people were injured, 30 passengers of the bus and 3 occupants of the Toyota Fortuner. Among the injured, six were in serious condition and 27 suffered minor injuries.

The bus, driven by 74-year-old Mr. Sayan Kumpitak, attempted to switch from a lane blocked by traffic cones to an open lane. This maneuver led to a loss of control, resulting in the bus crashing into the toll booth, colliding with a barrier, and subsequently striking the rear of the Toyota Fortuner. An oil leak from the bus added to the hazards at the scene.

❗️🇹🇭 – At least 27 people were injured in an accident involving a bus carrying Russian tourists in Thailand.

There were a total of 37 passengers on the bus. The victims were taken to a hospital in Pattaya.

According to preliminary reports, the bus driver lost control, after… pic.twitter.com/Vi0C7MqelY

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) January 2, 2025

Rescue teams, including the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Center, highway police, and tourist police, responded promptly. Good Samaritans and eyewitnesses assisted in evacuating passengers from the damaged bus. First aid was administered on-site before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

CCTV footage captured the incident, showing the bus traveling at high speed before the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that brake failure may have contributed to the accident.

Police Lieutenant Nattapol Ritthirong from Highway Police Division 1 is leading the investigation, with further questioning of the driver pending to confirm the exact cause.

Tour Bus Driver Rams SUV During Parking Dispute at Pattaya Hotel

This incident follows a recent major accident in Surat Thani over the New Year’s holiday, raising concerns about road safety during peak travel periods in Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)