Chiang Rai News
Speeding Van Driver in Chiang Rai, Slams into Truck Seriously Injuring Two Tourists
The van driver, Chuchart Muenpanya, 60, reportedly told police the pick-up truck in front of him suddenly slowed down to change lanes, and he was unable to swerve in time to avoid the collision.
CHIANG RAI — Pol.Lt.Col. Uthit Wongwai of the Mae Chedi Police Station has reported that two Chinese tourists were seriously injured after their van crashed into the back of pick-up truck on the Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai Highway.
Pol.Lt.Col. Uthit Wongwai said the accident took place on road running between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai at around 9am. The two Chinese tourists and the van’s driver were severely wounded in the crash and sent to hospital.
The pick-up truck driver was also injured, while the other 12 passengers in the van were reportedly slightly injured by the collision.
The van was carrying tourists from Chiang Mai to the neighboring province of Chiang Rai.
The van driver, Chuchart Muenpanya, 60, reportedly told police the pick-up truck in front of him suddenly slowed down to change lanes, and he was unable to swerve in time to avoid the collision.
Pol.Lt.Col. Uthit said the incident is still under police investigation.
Vans and buses, especially those that run on inter-provincial routes, are known for frequent accidents in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the world.
In May of this year Three men were killed and six others injured when a car rammed into a group of cyclists on the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai highway in Chiang Mai’s Doi Saket district.
A group of about 30 cyclists from San Sai Cycling Club in Chiang Mai were pedalling past kilometer marker No.8 on an out-bound lane to Chiang Rai, a Toyota Yaris car, which was traveling at high speed, rammed into the group from the rear.
