Drunk Driver Crashes into Barriers on Unopened M81 Motorway

Picture from responders.

A drunk driver crashed his car into concrete barriers after illegally entering the unopened M81 motorway (Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi) in Nonthaburi. The crash caused damage to both the vehicle and motorway infrastructure, with the driver sustaining injuries.

At 22:30 on 14 February, police from Bang Yai Police Station and emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were called to the scene following reports of a collision involving a car and motorway barriers.

The crash occurred on the outbound section of M81 in Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, near a toll gate. The motorway is closed and not yet operational.

Rescuers found a silver Honda Civic with Bangkok registration at the scene, its front end damaged. The driver, 46-year-old Mr. Surachet was found unconscious behind the wheel. He was quickly transported to Kasemrad Rattanatibeth Hospital for medical attention.

A security guard stationed at the barrier site stated that he had stepped away momentarily to use the restroom when he heard a loud crash. Upon returning, he discovered that two concrete barriers blocking the motorway entrance had been knocked over, with the damaged car nearby.

The driver appeared to be heavily intoxicated, displaying signs of alcohol impairment and vomiting profusely. Rescuers had to wake him before assisting him out of the vehicle.

Further investigations revealed that Mr. Surachet had initially struck orange plastic barriers near Kanchanaphisek Road, close to Central WestGate shopping centre, before continuing to drive for another 3 kilometres. He eventually crashed into the concrete barriers in front of the motorway’s toll plaza.

Authorities are now investigating the incident and are expected to press charges related to reckless driving, property damage, and driving under the influence.

-- 2025-02-16