Pattaya —
A Chinese tourist was seriously injured Monday morning after falling from a Songthaew in Pattaya. The driver of the Songthaew reportedly immediately fled the scene.
Update: Unfortunately, the tourist later passed away from his injuries. Police are planning a safety training with baht bus drivers and working with the wife of the tourist and Chinese embassy on the matter. Meanwhile, the baht bus driver has surrendered to police and stated he claims he was not aware that the tourist fell off his bus until he saw the news later in the day.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, on Pattaya Second Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the accident scene following the report.
At the scene, a large crowd had gathered to witness the event. On the road, rescuers found 48-year-old Mr. Chi Fai Lam, a 48-year-old Chinese tourist, who was seriously injured and lying motionless in the middle of the road. The rescue team provided initial first aid by performing CPR to revive him before urgently transporting him to the nearest hospital. The Songthaew driver involved in the accident had reportedly fled the scene before the authorities arrived.
Ms. Sripai Phanthongdee, a 56-year-old motorcycle taxi driver and eyewitness, told The Pattaya News that while she was waiting for passengers, she heard someone shouting for help. She then found that a tourist had fallen from the Songthaew and was severely injured. However, instead of stopping to help the injured tourist, the Songthaew driver sped away quickly. Ms. Sripai immediately notified the authorities for assistance.
Initially, the Pattaya Police collected CCTV footage from the area to track down the Songthaew driver. The driver is expected to face legal charges.
