PATTAYA, Thailand – The first fatal road accident of Naklua Wan Lai day was reported on the morning of April 18 after a motorcycle collided with a songthaew at a traffic light intersection on Sukhumvit road in Naklua.
Police and rescue workers were called to the intersection near Wat Sawang Fa in Naklua after reports of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a public transport vehicle.
A 34-year-old man from Udon Thani was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 32-year-old woman riding with him suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Police found a damaged white Honda Click motorcycle near the roadside, while the Naklua-Sattahip route songthaew had visible damage to its rear side.
The 58-year-old songthaew driver told police he had just left the queue to pick up passengers and was crossing the intersection on a green light when the motorcycle, carrying two people, approached from Pattaya heading toward Sri Racha and collided with the side of his vehicle.
Police are continuing to question witnesses and review CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities warned drivers to be extra careful on Naklua Wan Lai day, as large crowds, water activities, and heavy traffic can increase the risk of accidents on Pattaya’s roads.
