PHAYAO – A major accident in northern Thailand’s Phayao province left one person dead and four others hurt, including a child, after a freight truck slammed into a pickup waiting at a red light. Early reports suggest the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene on Dok Kham Tai–Phayao Road, near the Ban San Jok Pok intersection, around 7:00 p.m. on August 11. The collision involved an 18-wheel truck from Phetchabun and a bronze Isuzu pickup, which was crushed by the impact.
The driver of the pickup, identified as Mr. Watchara Paiboon, 34, from San Khong, Dok Kham Tai, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four others, including a six-year-old child, were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Emergency responders had to use special equipment to extract the victims trapped inside the pickup. Relatives told authorities the family was heading from San Khong to have dinner in Phayao city when the tragic crash occurred.
Witnesses said the freight truck sped toward the intersection and crashed into the stopped pickup without braking.
Initial investigations point to driver fatigue of the freight truck driver as the likely cause of the accident. Police are continuing their inquiry to confirm the details and will take legal action as required.
Road accidents in Thailand cause serious concern, with the country regularly listed among the highest for road deaths worldwide.
Busy city streets, neglected rural highways, and relaxed traffic laws all play a role in the high number of crashes. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives.
A common danger is drivers falling asleep while driving, often because of long shifts, poor sleep, and the frequent use of stimulants among commercial drivers trying to stay awake.
This risk increases during busy travel times, like national holidays, when many people travel long distances and become tired behind the wheel. Large vehicles such as buses and lorries are often in these crashes, as drivers rush to meet strict deadlines and end up working long hours without enough rest.
Stronger laws and safety campaigns have tried to tackle the problem, but gaps remain. Enforcement is patchy, road upgrades are slow, and many drivers never get proper training.
To cut down on drowsy driving, Thailand needs clear rules on driving hours, better rest stops, and more public reminders about the risks of driver fatigue.
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