Driver Found Dead in Vehicle After Three Days Parked on Motorway

Picture from responders.

 A 52-year-old pickup driver was found dead in his vehicle parked on the Bangkok–Pattaya Motorway three days after losing contact with his employer. Police believe he passed away in his sleep, as no signs of injury or evidence of a crash were discovered.

At approximately 11:30, on 7 January, Pol. Sub. Lt. Theerapong Lorthonglang of Bang Pakong Police Station received a report of a body found inside a parked white Toyota pickup truck, registration from Bangkok. The vehicle was located at kilometre marker 42+300 in Bang Wua Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province, heading towards Chonburi.

Upon arrival, police and rescue teams found the vehicle parked near the left roadside barrier with its engine off. Inside, the driver, identified as Mr. Adun Haye, a 52-year-old resident of Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, was discovered slumped across the front seats. His body, which was beginning to decompose, emitted a foul odour from the partially opened windows. No injuries or evidence of foul play were found on his body, and there were no signs of a crash around the vehicle.

The employer, Mrs. Nisarath Plodfak, 49, and her husband had been searching for Mr. Adun. She reported that Mr. Adun had been driving to pick up machinery in Chumphon on 5 January at 08:30 and planned to deliver it to Lat Krabang in Bangkok before heading to Chanthaburi to collect mangoes. His last communication was at 10.00 on 5 January, when he mentioned feeling unwell and stopping to rest.

When Mr. Adun failed to answer calls on 6 January, Mrs. Nisarath became concerned and reported him missing to the Romklao Police Station in Bangkok. With assistance from rescue teams, they traced his route and found his vehicle on the motorway.

Pol. Sub. Lt. Theerapong stated that the initial investigation showed no evidence of foul play or crash. It is believed Mr. Adun passed away in his sleep. The body has been sent for autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

-- 2025-01-08