PATTAYA, Thailand – A late-night collision involving a Chinese tourist driving a TANK 500 SUV left multiple vehicles damaged and several people injured at a busy Pattaya intersection on July 4.
Police were alerted at 11.30 p.m. to a crash at the South Pattaya intersection on Sukhumvit Road inbound toward Sattahip. Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon responded to the scene. At the site, authorities found a green TANK 500 SUV with front-end damage after it allegedly slammed into vehicles stopped at a red light. A Toyota Yaris Ativ sedan was heavily damaged at the rear after being pushed forward by the impact, along with two motorcycles that were also struck. Several people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The SUV driver, a Chinese national, was reportedly in a disoriented state and appeared intoxicated, with witnesses saying he was unable to communicate clearly.
Tensions escalated at the scene when a male companion of the driver confronted journalists attempting to document the incident. He allegedly obstructed filming, used a mobile phone to record reporters, and behaved aggressively, prompting police intervention. Both individuals were later taken into custody at Pattaya City Police Station to prevent further escalation. The owner of one of the damaged vehicles said the SUV came at high speed before crashing into the rear of his car, triggering a chain collision involving nearby motorcycles. He also claimed the driver appeared heavily intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol, and attempted to leave the scene before police arrived. He further alleged that an attempt was made to offer money in exchange for settling the matter privately, which he refused. At the police station, officers attempted to conduct a breath alcohol test, but the driver reportedly refused. He was detained for legal proceedings in accordance with Thai law.
