Pattaya, Thailand– A video circulating widely on Thai social media shows a foreign driver in a lifted pickup truck attempting to beat a lowering railway barrier, resulting in a dramatic near-miss with an oncoming oil train on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on July 7th, 2026, at the railway crossing in Soi Khao Talo. According to witnesses and the video footage, a bronze-colored Toyota 4WD pickup truck became stuck on the tracks as the barrier arm descended onto its roof. Moments later, an oil train approached at speed, sounding its horn loudly.
Onlookers could be heard screaming in panic, fearing an imminent collision. The train driver applied emergency brakes while honking his horn repeatedly, causing the wheels to lock and screech along the rails. The train came to a halt just short of the truck, grazing the front of the vehicle slightly before stopping. No serious injuries or major damage were reported.
The train driver reportedly took photos of the pickup before the train continued its journey toward Laem Chabang. The pickup driver then reversed and drove away into Soi Khao Ta Lo.
Later that evening, a news team visited the scene and confirmed that local police had installed new warning signs at the crossing urging drivers to stop for train signals. The team also spoke with the person who recorded and shared the video, identified as Mr. Cha (a pseudonym), 34.
“Before the incident, the warning signals were already flashing and the barriers were coming down to stop traffic,” Mr. Cha told reporters. “But this foreign driver in the pickup tried to force his way through anyway. The barrier ended up resting on the hood of his truck, causing him to get stuck, leaving the vehicle stranded right next to the tracks. The train was blowing its horn and you could hear the brakes screeching. It stopped just in time – it was extremely close.”
The video had strong reactions online, with many social media users criticizing the driver’s dangerous and irresponsible behavior. Authorities are expected to review the footage as part of any further investigation.
