School Van Crashes in Chiang Mai, 14 injured

A school transport van crashed in Chiang Mai province on the morning of 1 May 2026, leaving 14 people injured, including students and the driver, who is reported to be in critical condition. The crash occurred at around 07:00 on the Hod–Chom Thong route, opposite Wat Mon Hin in Ban Pae subdistrict, Chom Thong district. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Chom Thong Hospital.

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Rescue teams found the van severely damaged, with injured passengers trapped inside and scattered around the crash site. Among the casualties were 13 students aged between 12 and 17, studying from Year 7 to Year 11. Initial triage classified 10 as having minor injuries, three with moderate injuries, and one severe case identified as the 44-year-old male driver, whose condition was described by hospital officials as critical.

Emergency teams from Ban Pae, Sop Tia and Mae Soi worked together to provide assistance. The students were travelling to school at the time of the incident when the driver lost control and veered off the road. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash.

Police from Chom Thong Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials stated that once the driver has recovered sufficiently and is discharged from hospital, he will be called in for questioning. The damaged vehicle was removed from the scene and taken into custody for further examination.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of school transport vehicles in the area, particularly on rural routes. However, authorities have not yet issued any formal statements regarding potential regulatory changes or enforcement measures following the crash.

ThaiRath reported that police are expected to determine the cause of the crash after gathering evidence and conducting interviews. Further updates will depend on the driver’s recovery and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 2 May 2026