PATTAYA, Thailand – A black sedan has triggered widespread criticism after being caught on dashcam obstructing an emergency ambulance responding to a critical case, despite repeated sirens, flashing lights, and loudspeaker announcements ordering the vehicle to give way, April 3.
The incident took place at the Pak Kret five-way intersection, where a rescue vehicle from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation was dispatched to collect an elderly patient reported to be unconscious and in a life-threatening condition inside a residential area in Soi Tiwanon–Pak Kret 27.
According to rescuers, the ambulance was traveling under full emergency conditions after receiving an urgent call from Pranangklao Hospital’s emergency coordination center. Despite this, the black sedan reportedly slowed down and repeatedly braked in front of the ambulance, blocking its progress and preventing safe overtaking.
Dashcam footage shows rescuers attempting to pass on the left after repeated unsuccessful requests for the driver to yield. No vehicles were reportedly obstructing the road ahead of the sedan at the time of the incident.
The rescue team said the delay could have put the patient at serious risk, renewing calls for stronger enforcement and public awareness on emergency lane discipline.
The case has also drawn comparisons to similar road safety concerns in Pattaya, where emergency responders and motorists have frequently reported delayed access through congested tourist roads and mixed traffic behavior. Authorities and rescue volunteers in Pattaya have long warned that inconsistent lane discipline and failure to yield to sirens remain ongoing dangers, particularly in busy urban and nightlife zones where traffic conditions can change rapidly.
Road safety advocates say the latest incident underscores a nationwide issue: despite clear rules requiring drivers to immediately give way to emergency vehicles, compliance remains inconsistent across major cities including Bangkok, Pattaya, and other tourist-heavy destinations.
