Update: Hong Kong Tourist Dies After Falling from Pattaya Songthaew, Driver Charged

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.