A foreign driver narrowly avoided a serious collision after attempting to drive through a lowering railway barrier at a level crossing in Soi Khao Talo, Pattaya, on the afternoon of 7 July 2026. The pickup truck became trapped beside the tracks as an approaching oil transport train was forced to make an emergency stop, coming to a halt after only slightly grazing the vehicle’s front bumper.
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The incident happened at around 3.30pm at the railway crossing in Soi Khao Talo, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Video footage widely shared on Thai social media shows a Toyota 4WD pickup trying to beat the warning signals as the barrier descended, leaving the barrier resting on the roof of the vehicle and the truck stranded close to the railway line.
As the pickup remained on the crossing, an oil train approached while sounding its horn continuously. Witnesses at the scene could be heard shouting in alarm as the train driver applied the emergency brakes, causing the wheels to screech along the rails before the train stopped just short of the pickup, making only slight contact with the front bumper. No injuries or significant damage were reported.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
According to witnesses, the train driver photographed the pickup truck after the incident before continuing the journey towards Laem Chabang Port. The pickup driver, an unidentified foreign national, then reversed the vehicle and drove away into Soi Khao Talo.
At about 6pm, journalists returned to the crossing and found that warning signs are installed, reminding motorists to stop when railway warning signals are activated. The signage is intended to improve safety and reduce the risk of such incidents.
The person who recorded the video, identified only as Mr Cha, a 34-year-old witness, said the warning lights and barriers had been operating normally before the incident and that all other traffic had stopped as required.
“Before the incident, the warning signals were already flashing and the barriers were coming down to stop traffic,” Mr Cha said. “But this foreign driver in the pickup tried to force his way through anyway. The barrier ended up resting on the hood of his truck, causing him to get stuck, leaving the vehicle stranded right next to the tracks. The train was blowing its horn and you could hear the brakes screeching. It stopped just in time - it was extremely close.”
Matichon reported that the footage prompted widespread criticism on social media, with many users condemning the driver’s actions as dangerous and irresponsible. Authorities are expected to review the video as part of any further investigation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 8 July 2026
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