Minibus Crash in Kamphaeng Phet Leaves Four Dead, Three Injured

[Georgealbert]

 

 

The incident occurred on October 26, at approximately 14:30, when a passenger minibus with the registration number from Bangkok, lost control and veered off the road, colliding with a tree along Highway 1 near Km. 483+550, between Nakhon Chum and Wang Chao, in Village 3, Ban Khlong Mueang, Kosamphi Sub-district, Kosamphi Nakhon District, Kamphaeng Phet Province.

 

The accident took place on a straight, two lane asphalt road, which is in good condition with no potholes, and the road was dry, with no rain. The impact resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and left three others injured. Rescuers had to cut many of the casualties from the wreckage, with the dead driver being the most severely trapped victim.

 

The four victims that died were;

 

• Ms. Punyawi Sawanayapanich, 39, died at the scene.

• Ms. Benjaporn Saengthongsakaw, 36, passed away at the hospital.

• Ms. Patcharaporn Bamrungpanich, 33, passed away at the hospital.

• Mr. Sarusit Limsoontorn, 47, the driver, passed away at the hospital.

 

Three female passengers were admitted to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital for treatment and were in a serious condition.

 

Police noted that the minibus held compulsory insurance with Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from November 27, 2023, to November 27, 2024, as well as voluntary insurance with Sahamongkol Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from February 12, 2024, to February 12, 2025, so it is hoped that medical and funeral costs may be paid through the insurance.

 

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-10-27

 

 

[brianthainess]

Another shining example of Thai driving. 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police noted that the minibus held compulsory insurance with Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from November 27, 2023, to November 27, 2024, as well as voluntary insurance with Sahamongkol Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from February 12, 2024, to February 12, 2025, so it is hoped that medical and funeral costs may be paid through the insurance.

I was unaware the compulsory insurance is paid to an insurance company, I always thought that was a government thing, and of course it has been paid unless the vehicle was not taxed, they are both paid together.

[watchcat]

At least the driver didn't make it.  They're the reason for most of these accidents, speeding.

[Theforgotten1]

Sad that the people died but good that some vehicles have insurance , just need better training of the drivers

[hotchilli]

On 10/27/2024 at 4:17 AM, Georgealbert said:

Police noted that the minibus held compulsory insurance with Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from November 27, 2023, to November 27, 2024, as well as voluntary insurance with Sahamongkol Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from February 12, 2024, to February 12, 2025, so it is hoped that medical and funeral costs may be paid through the insurance.

Well that's nice to know it's all sorted out.

[hotchilli]

45 minutes ago, watchcat said:

At least the driver didn't make it.  They're the reason for most of these accidents, speeding.

Just a shame he had to take others with him..

[newbee2022]

On 10/27/2024 at 4:17 AM, Georgealbert said:

The accident took place on a straight, two lane asphalt road, which is in good condition with no potholes, and the road was dry, with no rain.

Good moment for chatting on LINE. Obviously his last chat.

[john donson]

risking my life every other day on a songtaew with a driver thinking he is a f1 racer... I am a cheap bastard... same trip is at least 5x more with taxi, lol

Edited October 28 by john donson

[lordgrinz]

3 minutes ago, john donson said:

risking my life every other day on a songtaew with a driver thinking he is a f1 racer... I am a cheap bastard... same trip is at least 5x more with taxi, lol

 

I don't trust my life to any Thai driver, other than my wife. We both drive our own cars, neither of us would entertain a taxi, minibus, or any other vehicle driven by the typical Thai driver. Last time we were forced to use a Taxi, was a trip to the airport, never been more scared in my life. I've said it before, but 9 out of 10 drivers on the roads here in Thailand should never be allowed to operate any vehicle. Taxi driver are some of the worst, next up is the minibus drivers.

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, Theforgotten1 said:

Sad that the people died but good that some vehicles have insurance , just need better training of the drivers

All Vehicles have 3rd party insurance it is compulsory, when/if you pay the road tax, private insurance is available if you want more cover.

[Burma Bill]

23 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Another shining example of Thai driving. 

I was unaware the compulsory insurance is paid to an insurance company, I always thought that was a government thing, and of course it has been paid unless the vehicle was not taxed, they are both paid together.

 

From my experience when living in Thailand - yes!. I owned and drove a Nissan pick-up which was 20 years old. Each year when applying for Thai road tax, the Nissan had to undergo an MOT at an approved Thai Government test centre. The owner of my local test centre also had an insurance business so I was able to complete all the paperwork with him - compulsory insurance, fully comprehensive vehicle insurance and MOT fee - no hassle! 

 

[brianthainess]

3 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

The owner of my local test centre also had an insurance business so I was able to complete all the paperwork with him

I think they all sell insurance, it's very handy to renew same time as tax. I don't understand why a member here is confused about the mandatory/compulsory insurance that you must pay to get your Road Tax..................

[Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai]

On 10/27/2024 at 4:17 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

 

The incident occurred on October 26, at approximately 14:30, when a passenger minibus with the registration number from Bangkok, lost control and veered off the road, colliding with a tree along Highway 1 near Km. 483+550, between Nakhon Chum and Wang Chao, in Village 3, Ban Khlong Mueang, Kosamphi Sub-district, Kosamphi Nakhon District, Kamphaeng Phet Province.

 

The accident took place on a straight, two lane asphalt road, which is in good condition with no potholes, and the road was dry, with no rain. The impact resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and left three others injured. Rescuers had to cut many of the casualties from the wreckage, with the dead driver being the most severely trapped victim.

 

The four victims that died were;

 

• Ms. Punyawi Sawanayapanich, 39, died at the scene.

• Ms. Benjaporn Saengthongsakaw, 36, passed away at the hospital.

• Ms. Patcharaporn Bamrungpanich, 33, passed away at the hospital.

• Mr. Sarusit Limsoontorn, 47, the driver, passed away at the hospital.

 

Three female passengers were admitted to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital for treatment and were in a serious condition.

 

Police noted that the minibus held compulsory insurance with Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from November 27, 2023, to November 27, 2024, as well as voluntary insurance with Sahamongkol Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from February 12, 2024, to February 12, 2025, so it is hoped that medical and funeral costs may be paid through the insurance.

 

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-10-27

 

 

Those van drivers often speed and have no regard for their passengers. Been in 1 before and that the last time.

Any loss of life sad, unfortunately these idiots always hurt someone else. 

I agree with another post, not ride with Thai drivers except a short taxi or grab in an emergency.  My wife I feel with as  she passed a proper driving test when we were in Australia.

 

[kwilco]

On a well-designed road these people need not have died.

Sadly this is an old Thai road but the new ones are as bad - too straight, too wide, fast and with only the occasional Armco barriers -  perfect for falling asleep or just microsleeps - Only a couple of seconds, the van veers off the pavement the driver wakes, grabs the wheel and can't correct properly and leaves the road - then the problems really start when the vehicle starts to collide with large trees and street furniture.

17 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Good moment for chatting on LINE. Obviously his last chat.

So you are the RTI "good-guesser"?

[kwilco]

On 10/27/2024 at 4:53 AM, brianthainess said:

compulsory insurance with Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from November 27, 2023, to November 27, 2024, as well as voluntary insurance with Sahamongkol Insurance Public Company Limited, effective from February 12, 2024, to February 12, 2025, so it is hoped that medical and funeral costs may be paid through the insurance.

It looks like the van had full cover - I also wonder how "compulsory" level applies to vehicle used for commercial

transport.

AFAIK when carrying passengers commercially, a minivan (or any commercial passenger vehicle) is required to have two main types of insurance:

Compulsory Motor Insurance (CMI), also known as Por Ror Bor insurance

Compulsory Passenger Insurance (for vehicles carrying multiple passengers)

In addition to these required policies, commercial minivan operators often purchase voluntary insurance for enhanced protection. This is not required by law but is common practice, as it covers damages to the vehicle, additional medical expenses, and sometimes lost income for both passengers and the driver

 

Edited October 28 by kwilco