Accident Van Malfunction Causes Multi-Taxi Collision at Phuket Airport

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Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A dramatic scene unfolded outside the international arrivals terminal at Phuket International Airport yesterday when a van's accelerator reportedly became jammed, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving four taxis. The incident occurred around 12:50 PM on May 19, on the first-floor platform. Remarkably, despite the heavy impact, there were no reported injuries.

 

Eyewitnesses watched in shock as the Toyota Commuter van, identified by the yellow taxi plates common in Phuket, abruptly accelerated after leaving the parking area near Gate 2. According to Sakhu Police, the driver, Somsak Khachatpai, stated that the van’s accelerator malfunctioned. "I couldn’t stop it," he reportedly explained to the officers. "The pedal jammed and the van just kept going."

 

The out-of-control van first collided with an MG car, which was then pushed into a Toyota Fortuner, subsequently causing the Fortuner to hit a white commercial van in front. All four vehicles involved were taxis poised to pick up arriving tourists. The drivers, Sahachai Chaiyareuk (MG), Phuwanai Kaewpradit (Fortuner), and Sarayut Chitnawee (white van), remained at the scene to cooperate with police and coordinate with insurance representatives.

 

Dashcam footage widely shared online shows the van careening towards the terminal and crashing into a green-plated taxi before striking the final van in the sequence.

 

Police confirmed that all drivers involved managed to mediate and agree on preliminary compensation terms. Officers have documented the incident, and a thorough investigation is now underway.

 

While the crash led to minor delays and significant commotion outside one of Thailand's busiest tourist hubs, it is fortunate that neither travellers nor airport staff were harmed. The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mechanical failures and their potential impact on public spaces.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-20