MAE HONG SON – A family of four Spanish tourists – parents and children – rented a hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross and drove from Chiang Mai toward Mae Hong Son, hoping to visit the world-famous “Ban Rak Thai” village.
The vehicle hit a tree stump, skidded off the road, and burst into flames, forcing the family to flee in panic. Police from Mae Hong Son City Police Station received a distressing report from tourists traveling from Chiang Mai Province, passing through Pang Mapha District. The car caught fire with only 30 kilometers left to their destination, in the evening of yesterday (December 24, 2025).
Upon receiving the report, police coordinated with the rescue team from Na Pu Pom Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Pang Mapha District, the closest to the scene. Police officers, along with forensic experts, rushed to investigate the incident.
The accident occurred on a curved section of the road. The victims, a Spanish family of four (parents and children), communicated with police that they were traveling in Thailand, intending to reach Mae Hong Son Province, particularly Ban Rak Thai, whose reputation they had long heard about.
While en route, their rented Toyota Cross from Chiang Mai struck a tree stump, causing the vehicle to skid off the roadside. They were shocked when sparks appeared in the engine compartment, quickly spreading to the rest of the car.
The family hurriedly instructed everyone to exit the vehicle before the flames engulfed it rapidly, leaving no time to retrieve important documents or valuables.
The City Police Station coordinated with Mae Hong Son Tourist Police to assist by arranging accommodation and contacting the insurance company for further support according to procedures.
The affected vehicle was a hybrid model operating on both electric and gasoline systems. This incident is considered the first of its kind involving significant damage. The roads are known for being highly winding and steeply inclined.
