A tourist from Hong Kong, initially reported as from mainland China, who fell from a Songthaew in Pattaya on Monday has died from his injuries. The Songthaew driver has been charged with reckless driving causing death and failing to stop and assist the injured victim.

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A Chinese tourist was seriously injured Monday morning after falling from a Songthaew in Pattaya. The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately.

Update:

The victim, identified as 48-year-old Mr. Chi Fai Lam, was found unconscious on the side of Pattaya Second Road near the Wat Chai Mongkol Temple intersection on Monday morning, July 22nd. Rescue workers rushed him to Pattaya Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead the same day. Pattaya Police collected CCTV footage showing Mr. Lam in the back of the Songthaew before he suddenly fell out.

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The driver, identified as Mr. Thongchai Thongruang, did not stop to help and sped away from the scene, according to the footage and eyewitness statements.

At around 1 PM on July 22nd, Mr. Thongchai surrendered to Pattaya Police after being contacted by the Songthaew’s owner. He claimed he was unaware of the incident, stating he had picked up 7-8 tourists from Dolphin Roundabout in North Pattaya and dropped them off at Walking Street, insisting he saw all passengers get off safely. He turned himself in after learning from the owner that a tourist had fallen from his vehicle.

Mr. Thongchai has been charged with reckless driving causing death and failing to stop to assist the victim or report the incident to authorities. Pattaya Police are assisting the victim’s wife in seeking compensation from the driver.

According to the police, Songthaews typically have insurance under the Protection for Motor Vehicle Victims Act, covering death compensation up to 500,000 baht.

The victim’s wife (name withheld for privacy) requested authorities to repatriate Mr. Lam’s body for funeral rites in Hong Kong. Pattaya Police will facilitate coordination with the embassy on July 23rd, 2024. The man was reportedly a member of law enforcement in Hong Kong.

In response to this incident, Pattaya Tourist Police and city officials plan to convene a meeting with Songthaew drivers to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future. Safety on baht buses has been a recurring issue, with another tourist from Hong Kong dying after falling from one in Jomtien in 2019.

In February 2023, Thailand passed a law banning standing on the back of baht buses. However, enforcement is widely perceived as lax.

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On July 19th, 2024, Tha Kham police provided updates on the July 17th incident where a four-wheel truck driver caused a massive collision involving 29 vehicles in the Rama 2 area, Bangkok.
Read about a truck driver who was apprehended after a hit-and-run spree damaging 29 vehicles and injuring ten people across three Bangkok districts.
Pol. Col.

Lertsak Khiamsap, the superintendent of Tha Kham Police Station, stated that the driver, Kiatchai, is currently receiving treatment at PMG Hospital under police guard, according to Pol. Col.

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Lertsak’s blood tests revealed the presence of amphetamines in Kiatchai’s blood system. Once discharged, Kiatchai will face multiple charges, including reckless driving, fleeing the scene, and driving under the influence of drugs.

Pol. Col. Lertsak mentioned that the truck used in the incident’s ownership is still being investigated. The registered owner, identified only as Somkiat, reported that the truck and a backhoe were stolen from Bang Pu, Samut Prakan, on July 6th.

Somkiat had previously sold the truck to Kiatchai under a contract requiring four-month monthly payments. After one month, Kiatchai allegedly could not make payments and returned the car to Somkiat on June 27th.

According to Somkiat, the truck was then parked at Somkiat’s parking lot, which was locked and gated.

On the night of the theft, Kiatchai and accomplices reportedly broke the gate’s lock and drove the truck away, likely using a duplicate key, according to Somkiat.

The truck is impounded at the Tha Kham police station, and Bang Pu officers will handle the case. Kitchen and his accomplices will face additional charges of nighttime theft and possession of stolen property.

Pol. Col. Lertsak concluded that further investigations are ongoing to identify all involved parties and ensure legal proceedings are followed.