Pattaya, Thailand – A 64-year-old man sustained minor injuries after crashing his seven-seater SUV into a high-voltage power pole in the early hours of Tuesday, causing a widespread blackout in a local village. The driver admitted to being drunk but said he had no recollection of the accident.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. on November 4th, 2025, inside a housing estate behind the Highway Police Station on Route 7. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center in Pattaya received the report of a seven-seater sedan veering off the road, striking a power pole, and injuring the driver. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately.
At the scene, authorities found a maroon Ford Everest SUV. The vehicle’s front end was severely damaged, with the collapsed high-voltage power pole lying across the hood. The driver and owner, identified as Mr. Suphanan Oncham, 64, was found injured with chest tightness from the impact against the steering wheel. He received initial first aid before being transported to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for further treatment.
Mr. Suphanan told responders that he was driving home through the soi (lane) when he suddenly blacked out. He woke up to find the crash had already happened. “I admit I was drunk,” he said, though he claimed to have no memory of the events leading to the collision.
The crash knocked out electricity across the entire village. Police secured the vehicle for further investigation and coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority to repair the damaged pole and restore power. Emergency crews successfully removed the pole from the vehicle, and electricity was fully restored shortly afterward.
Authorities are continuing their inquiry into the incident, with no further details on potential charges released at this time.
