PHITSANULOK – A sad crash during the “7 dangerous days” holiday period has claimed the life of a 4-month-old baby after a pickup carrying one family heading north via a shortcut linking the North and the Isaan region lost control and overturned on a bend at Khao Khom Ma.
The Phitsanulok rescue radio centre at Prasat Boon Sathan Foundation received a report of a serious road accident on the Pong Khae, Chat Trakan road. The incident happened at a sharp downhill elbow bend known locally as “Khao Khom Ma”, at around 9.42 am. Rescue teams went to the scene straight away.
The route is a well-used shortcut connecting the North and Isaan, passing through the Thong Saen Khan district in Uttaradit. Near the Pong Khae junction, between Wat Bot and Chat Trakan districts, officers found a white Mitsubishi Triton pickup, registration Bor Ror 6171 (Sakon Nakhon), overturned off the road.
Inside were members of the same family. One person died at the scene, a 4-month-old infant. Three others were injured: the father (32), the mother (25), and a 2-year-old child. Paramedics provided urgent care and took them to a nearby hospital.
Early findings suggest the road section is steep, winding, and known for frequent crashes, especially when the surface is wet or slippery. The bend comes with a run of curves, which can easily cause drivers to lose control and roll over.
Police, led by Pol Lt Col Pradiphant In No, the duty investigator at Chat Trakan Police Station, are continuing to check the exact cause of the accident. The “seven dangerous days” road safety period runs from 30 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.
The government launched a nationwide road safety campaign, including stricter enforcement, checkpoints, and public awareness efforts to reduce accidents under themes like “Drive safely, slow down, reduce accidents.”
Why It’s Dangerous
- Main causes — Speeding, drink-driving, and motorcycle accidents (motorcycles account for ~80% of fatalities in these periods).
- Daily average — Outside holidays: ~38 road deaths per day. During the seven dangerous days, often ~60–70 per day.
Recent Statistics (for Context)
- New Year 2024–2025 (extended monitoring, ~10 days): 2,467 accidents, 2,376 injuries, 436 deaths.
- Songkran 2025 (7 days): ~1,538 accidents, 1,495 injuries, 253 deaths.
The campaign aims to curb these through helmet enforcement, alcohol checks, and traffic management.
If you’re traveling in Thailand around New Year, avoid driving if possible (use rideshares, buses, or flights), never drink and drive, wear seatbelts/helmets, and check traffic apps for updates. Safe travels!
