A dramatic accident took place in Pattaya on the morning of February 23, 2026, when an 18-wheeler truck slammed into a four-story commercial building, causing severe structural damage and injuring two people.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Sitthawat Chawakrutherirat, investigator at Banglamung Police Station, responded to reports of the crash along the parallel road to Highway No. 7 (Motorway), near kilometer marker 112+600-700 in Moo 4. Officers arrived alongside rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya.
At the scene, a white Hino 18-wheeler truck (license plate 75-6354 Chonburi) had plowed directly into the center of a four-story, seven-unit commercial building. The truck’s cab penetrated through the wall and deep into the structure, leaving the building heavily damaged. A parked motorcycle and sedan inside the premises were crushed under collapsing concrete walls. Adjacent to the impact zone, a popular som tam (papaya salad) and grilled chicken stall, known as “Wichianburi Grilled Chicken,” was devastated, with nearly all equipment and goods destroyed by the force of the collision.
Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were rushed to Pattaya Padmakun Hospital: the truck driver, Mr. Jit Ti Hongdee, 45, and Ms. Lek Phan Kluang, 53, a vendor at the som tam stall.
Mr. Witya Jai Thiang, 58, owner of the grilled chicken shop, explained the terrifying moment to The Pattaya News. He was preparing to open for the day and lighting the grill when the massive truck suddenly barreled into the building without warning. The impact swept everything in its path, knocking his wife, who was readying ingredients, off her feet and injuring her amid the debris.
Initial inspections revealed critical damage: load-bearing columns and central beams showed deep cracks, raising serious concerns that the entire structure could collapse. Authorities immediately cordoned off the building as a danger zone and evacuated residents temporarily. Provincial engineers from Chonburi are expected to conduct a thorough structural assessment.
Police suspect the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, though the officer stated that a full investigation, including questioning the driver, will determine the exact cause.
