17 Dead in Bus Crash on Hillside Road in Prachinburi

[hotchilli]

And so it continues..., nothing changes so don't expect any changes

[Andycoops]

implement preventive measures, abit late for that, RiP to all those families affected.

 

The preventative measures should have been in place before the journey started.

 

 

Another shoddy bus operation.

[Rickyoz]

RIP, a speedy recovery for all those injured.

[Bruce Aussie]

5 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

The entire top of the bus ripped off there. 

 

It's about time they started clamping down on these buses made in upcountry workshops and started enforcing proper international safety standards including crash testing etc. 

 

These types of buses are complete deathtraps.

 

and proper driver training be good also

[factual monk]

Deeply saddening...

heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident... 🙏 

[black tabby12345]

Since my settlement here in early 2000s, I have travelled almost countless times, by long distance coaches.  

Especially during my visa run/repeat tourist visa application period, before 2012.

 

The most shocking  sight I have ever seen during that period was, one  bus(in a overturned state) laid on the steep slope outside narrow passage. Looked like native vegetation(tall trees) stopped it from further fall.

And that spot was only less than 30 minutes from Udon Thani(if my memory is correct).

 

I now feel it was sheer luck that I could stay safe and alive, without any major incidents; other than occasional a/c breakdown, or a few hours of delay in their operation...

[Briggsy]

Is this the section of the 304 from Wang Nam Khieo that descends to Kabinburi, passing the HQ of Thap Lan NP? If so, there are so many warning signs and police and military there enforcing safety, this bus driver probably thought he knew better.

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

I do believe I read somewhere, if you take the scooter deaths off the death count here / TH, then the deaths per 100k is about the same as the USA.

 

Riding a MC in USA, for 20 years, and even more years in TH, I definitely feel safer here / TH, as everyone knows about, and many give way to MC.   Unlike the USA, where nobody seems to give way, look for or respect MC.

 

I've been cut off way more times in the USA than TH.

 

Yup, you're delusional.

[simosiam72]

35 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

imagine using this excuse in court. "Sure I burned up the brakes and 18 people died but do you know much diesel is these judge!!"

The company will blame the driver fault, he probably is one of the victims and will never speak about it 

[Dmaxdan]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Nothing wrong with the roads it's the drivers.

I'm afraid I have to disagree. The road are in fact appallingly designed. There are many roads around me that are rural two lane highways where you have businesses such as 7-elevens and gas stations that are right on the side of the road. This means you have vehicles slowing and stopping, then pulling out from stationary on the same piece of road as cars and motorcycles driving at 120KPH plus, and changing lanes erratically.

It's's complete madness!

 

And don't get me started on U-turns. Vehicles turning slowly broadside on to ones bearing down on them at high speed? Who ever came up with that idea should be lined up on a wall and shot!

[portisaacozzy]

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures from responders.

 

A devastating crash in Prachinburi province has claimed the lives of at least 17 people after a bus overturned in the early hours of the morning of 26 February. The crash occurred at kilometre marker 210+500 on Highway 304, near the descent of Khao San Pu Thon in Bu Phram subdistrict, Nadi district.

 

The bus was carrying a group from Bueng Kan province on an educational study tour when the driver lost control and overturned at approximately 03:00. Emergency response teams from Nadi district, including officers from the Kabin Buri Highway Department, Nadi Highway Police, Wang Khon Daeng Police Station, and rescue teams from the Sajja Phutthatham Foundation, were quickly dispatched to the scene.

 

 

Authorities confirmed that 17 people died at the scene and at about another 35 injured. Rescue teams provided first aid to the injured before transporting them to Nadi Hospital and Kabin Buri Hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are examining potential factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle condition, and road conditions. The Nadi District Office, in coordination with relevant agencies, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause and implement preventive measures.

 

This tragic accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Thailand, particularly on steep highways. Highway 304, a crucial route connecting eastern and northeastern provinces, has long been notorious for its challenging terrain and frequent accidents.

 

 

-- 2025-02-26

 

 

 

no captain or general rushed to the scene ????????

[wensiensheng]

Hmm, 3 am crash. Immediately makes me think of a sleepy driver. Maybe not, but it’s my first thought 

[smew]

and yet another one... it never stops,,, bad brakes no doubt... 

[brewsterbudgen]

2 minutes ago, smew said:

and yet another one... it never stops,,, bad brakes no doubt... 

Yes.  That is the reported cause.  Very tragic.

[wensiensheng]

1 hour ago, Jonathan Swift said:

He might possibly mean that blasting through the checkpoint contributed to the speed, probably never having seen a checkpoint or understanding what they do. . 

And yet the first two buses presumably also ignored the checkpoint and did not crash as a result of overheated brakes?

 

Sounds like waffle to me. Can’t see the checkpoint would do anything other than maybe wake the driver up a bit

[Hardcastle P]

Many negotiate the road without problems so let's cut to the quick it's the driver.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Blueman1 said:

Same in the U.K. Long Distance Bus Drivers Need a Break Every 4 Hours At Least.....

I believe that in the UK, tachographs are mandatory as are drivers logbooks, and that they are rigorously checked as well.

 

I Thailand whilst tachographs and perhaps drivers logbooks MAY be available, smaller companies with a limited number pf vehicles and drivers available won't use them, as they will be too expensive and reduce the number of hours a driver can be used.

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I do believe I read somewhere, if you take the scooter deaths off the death count here / TH, then the deaths per 100k is about the same as the USA.

 

Riding a MC in USA, for 20 years, and even more years in TH, I definitely feel safer here / TH, as everyone knows about, and many give way to MC.   Unlike the USA, where nobody seems to give way, look for or respect MC.

 

I've been cut off way more times in the USA than TH.

 

My memory is pretty good 

 

 

32 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Yup, you're delusional.

 

So not really delusional, well, officially anyway.   I do shy away from shrinks, as they may decide to keep me out of society 

[mran66]

Not enough or too much yaba. 

[PomPolo]

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

My memory is pretty good 

 

 

 

So not really delusional, well, officially anyway.   I do shy away from shrinks, as they may decide to keep me out of society 

Hahahaha a very interesting set of points, but essentially reading into that you are saying Thai roads are safer? 🙂
I had to consult my AI for these stats and it doesn't look good for Thailand or the US for that matter!

• Thailand: ~32 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United States: ~6 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United Kingdom: ~0.7 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people

[mran66]

4 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

Another horrific crash.

 

When will Thailand train their drivers properly?

 

regards,

bob.

 

How to teach people that are unwilling or/and unable to learn is the million dollar question? 

 

On top of the fact that those in power actually are happy they don't learn, making it an impossible equation 

[PomPolo]

2 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Hahahaha a very interesting set of points, but essentially reading into that you are saying Thai roads are safer? 🙂
I had to consult my AI for these stats and it doesn't look good for Thailand or the US for that matter!

• Thailand: ~32 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United States: ~6 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United Kingdom: ~0.7 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people

All road deaths per year paint a similar picture unfortunately (not for the UK where driver training is actually important)

• Thailand: Approximately 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

  Bangkok Post

• United States: Approximately 13 deaths per 100,000 people.

  Voronoi App

• United Kingdom: Approximately 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

  The Times

[KhunLA]

TH has an 8 hr rule for driving long haul.  Not sure about how many break hours  in between drives.

 

USA ... it is 14 hrs 😎

Although you must do 10 hrs off, before doing another leg.

 

 

I've actually driven up to 20 hrs straight, took a nap, a munch, maybe a swim, and drove back, maybe 18 more hours on the return, on PHL - MIA/Key Largo or over to Bradenton, FL (Tropicana OJ), as regular runs for me, when playing truck driver 

 

Easy, though not on a regular basis.  As that would be way too dangerous.

[lordgrinz]

14 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

My memory is pretty good 

 

 

 

So not really delusional, well, officially anyway.   I do shy away from shrinks, as they may decide to keep me out of society 

 

You should really apply for a propaganda position in the Thai government, and to hide your "neutral" position, you could suggest they call it the "Ministry of Truth" 😜 

[KhunLA]

8 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Hahahaha a very interesting set of points, but essentially reading into that you are saying Thai roads are safer? 🙂
I had to consult my AI for these stats and it doesn't look good for Thailand or the US for that matter!

• Thailand: ~32 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United States: ~6 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people
• United Kingdom: ~0.7 motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people

I certainly didn't imply Thai roads are safer.   But feel free to read into my post whatever fits your spin.   As so many do.

 

I simply said 'I feel safer on a MC here', nothing about Thai roads being safe.   They are called accidents for a reason.

[Burma Bill]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

occurred at kilometre marker 210+500 on Highway 304,

 

A well known cross country route from north Isaan (for example Khon Kaen) to Pattaya, Chonburi and Rayong avoiding the longer Route 2 and Bangkok suburbs. I used this route 304 for Aranyaphratet and Poipet (Cambodia).

[PomPolo]

19 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I certainly didn't imply Thai roads are safer.   But feel free to read into my post whatever fits your spin.   As so many do.

 

I simply said 'I feel safer on a MC here', nothing about Thai roads being safe.   They are called accidents for a reason.

All good everyone is the master of their own destiny I like riding motorbikes too and have always felt safe driving here, its the other idiots you need to watch out for! 

I wasn't actually disagreeing with your post just stating some publicly available facts 🙂

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Fatal Bus Crash in Prachinburi: Multiple Casualties and Insurance Compensation Details

 

Officials at Nadi Hospital.
 

According to officials, the bus involved in the crash was covered by compulsory motor insurance (Por Ror Bor), which provides compensation of 500,000 baht per deceased individual. Additionally, third-party insurance coverage offers the same amount for fatalities, while personal accident insurance provides 50,000 baht per passenger and driver in case of death. Injured passengers are also eligible for up to 80,000 baht per person under the insurance scheme.

 

At Nadi Hospital, where injured victims were rushed for treatment, family members gathered anxiously while medical staff provided urgent care. Authorities completed the process of identifying the deceased and allowed families to confirm their loved ones before transferring the bodies. Rescue teams from Satja Phutthatham Kabinburi dispatched military ambulances to transport the deceased to Nakhon Ratchasima province, where they awaited further transfer to their hometown in Bueng Kan.

 

Prachinburi Governor Veerapun Dee-on, alongside Deputy Governor Chanathip Khokmani and Nadi District Chief Somchai Phutsena, arrived at the hospital to oversee support efforts for the injured and bereaved families. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Chanathip and local police inspected the crash site to ensure no victims were trapped beneath the wreckage. Now  confirmed there was no-one under the wreckage, police coordinated the removal of the bus to Wang Khon Daeng Police Station for further examination and investigation.

 

The other two buses in the study group have cancelled their itinerary and returned home following the incident.

 

The crash occurred on Highway 304, a known crash hotspot, especially on the descent from Nakhon Ratchasima towards the Pha Ngam checkpoint. This stretch of road is characterised by steep slopes and sharp bends, frequently causing crashes, especially involving vehicles with mechanical issues or drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. In a previous tragic incident at Khao Ton, 22 university students lost their lives.

 

The bus owner, Mr. Boonthan, 64, who was seated behind the driver, recounted the terrifying moments before the crash. As the vehicle descended, the driver attempted to shift gears from third to second, but the brakes and gearbox failed due to a loss of air pressure. Facing the risk of a high-speed collision with other vehicles, the driver veered off the road, striking a concrete barrier before flipping over and slamming into a rocky embankment. The impact tore off the roof, ejecting several passengers from the vehicle.

 

Rachot Ketbunjon, Director of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) for Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi, confirmed the insurance coverage details for victims and urged authorities to expedite compensation procedures.

 

Governor Veerapun acknowledged that authorities have been working with the Department of Highways to develop safety measures for this hazardous section of Highway 304.

 

-- 2025-02-26

 

[Chongalulu]

5 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

Another horrific crash.

 

When will Thailand train their drivers properly?

 

regards,

bob.

Not anytime soon.,Bob.

"Next"...it won't be long. Groundhog Day..

[david rucker]

Road safety is not the problem. Driver safety is usually the cause of these late night crashes. Even in wet conditions, busses do not crash (this is dry season) without a reason. Driver fatigue and drug use are often a factor.