A Chinese national was taken into custody after an SUV crashed into several vehicles waiting at a red light in Pattaya late on 4 July 2026, leaving multiple vehicles damaged and several people with minor injuries. Police said the driver allegedly refused to take a breath alcohol test after the collision at the South Pattaya intersection on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Sattahip.
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The crash was reported at about 11.30pm on 4 July 2026, prompting officers from Pattaya City Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Foundation to attend the scene. Authorities found a GWM Tank 500 SUV with red registration plate, showing front-end damage.
The SUV had struck a Toyota Yaris Ativ, registration from Chon Buri, causing damage to its rear. The impact pushed the car into two motorcycles waiting ahead, damaging both bikes and leaving several people with minor injuries, who received initial treatment from rescue workers.
Police said the Chinese driver appeared to be intoxicated and was unable to communicate clearly. While journalists were recording the aftermath, another Chinese man travelling with the driver confronted reporters, attempted to prevent filming, and recorded the journalists on his mobile phone while behaving in a manner police considered likely to provoke a confrontation. Officers intervened and escorted both men to Pattaya City Police Station to prevent the situation from escalating.
Toyota driver Thawatchai, 37, told police he had been waiting at the traffic lights when the SUV approached at speed and slammed into the rear of his vehicle. He said the force of the collision pushed his car into the two motorcycles in front, causing further damage and injuries.
Thawatchai also claimed the driver and passenger appeared intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol, and initially tried to drive away from the scene. He said he prevented the vehicle from leaving by switching off its engine, after which the driver allegedly offered him money in an attempt to settle the matter without police involvement, but he refused.
At Pattaya City Police Station, investigating officers took the Chinese driver into an interview room for alcohol testing. Police said the driver refused to undergo the breath test correctly and was subsequently placed in a holding cell over night while legal proceedings continue.
Pictures courtesy of SiamChon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 5 July 2026