Accident Two Killed After Bus Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel in Prachuap Khiri Khan

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An early morning crash on 4 June, has left two passengers dead and several others seriously injured after a long-distance tour bus travelling from Rayong to Surat Thani veered off the road and plunged into a central reservation. Authorities confirmed that the driver fell asleep at the wheel moments before the crash.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 04:30 on Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), near the entrance to King Rama VI Camp, home to Border Patrol Police Unit 14, in Hua Sai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

 

Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including Sawang Prachuap Rescue Foundation, Huai Sai Subdistrict emergency medical services, Ao Noi Subdistrict medical responders, and the Highway Police, rushed to the scene after being alerted.

Upon arrival, responders found a yellow interprovincial bus, registered in Chonburi and normally found operating the Rayong–Mukdahan route, damaged in the central reservation. The front of the vehicle had been damaged after it collided with roadside barriers and a utility pole. The impact shattered the front and side windows.

 

There were 28 people onboard, including the driver. Two male passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Five others sustained critical injuries and eight more were seriously hurt. All injured passengers were taken to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital for emergency treatment.

 

The bus was being driven by Mr Thosaporn 51, who had taken over as the second driver during a scheduled rest stop in Hua Hin. He told police that he had dozed off momentarily just before the crash, causing the vehicle to veer off course and strike the guardrail and light pole before plunging into the median.

Meanwhile, passengers with minor injuries who did not require hospitalisation were later picked up by an alternative bus provided by the transport company to continue their journey to Surat Thani.

 

Police have launched an investigation, but this incident has again reignited public concern over driver fatigue on long-haul routes and the need for stricter monitoring of bus operators and their rest schedules.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-04

 

 

 

[impulse]

I wonder if he just dozed off, or were there any chemicals or booze in his system?

 

 

[metisdead]

An inflammatory post and the replies have been removed.

[ikke1959]

No problem it happens sp may times and as long as the Government doesn't make strict rules and the RTP is not  enforce them accidents like these will happen week after week.. Common sense is not available here  and by the low wages people are forced to work to get a living...But the rich and famous don't care as it is not in Bangkok and they are not involved...soft power to keep tourists away

 

[spidermike007]

I think when a bus driver causes death to others due to negligence of this sort, he should be charged with manslaughter and should serve a minimum of 10 years in prison. This kind of thing should not be taken lightly. 

[wensiensheng]

How big a co incidence is that! Falling asleep just before the brakes failed and caused a crash.

 

Kudos to the driver for admitting it and not running off though.

[Aussie999]

Changed drivers in Hua Hin, crashed while still in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, he didn't get far, before falling asleep.

[hotchilli]

On 6/4/2025 at 9:49 AM, Georgealbert said:

An early morning crash on 4 June, has left two passengers dead and several others seriously injured after a long-distance tour bus travelling from Rayong to Surat Thani veered off the road and plunged into a central reservation. Authorities confirmed that the driver fell asleep at the wheel moments before the crash.

Manslaughter X2

[FlorC]

On 6/4/2025 at 9:49 AM, Georgealbert said:

normally found operating the Rayong–Mukdahan route

What is a Rayong–Mukdahan bus doing in Prachuap Khiri Khan ?

Serious detour.

[impulse]

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I think when a bus driver causes death to others due to negligence of this sort, he should be charged with manslaughter and should serve a minimum of 10 years in prison. This kind of thing should not be taken lightly. 

 

Be careful what you wish for.  You could be the one getting locked up if you make a mistake on the highway.  Or your wife.  Or your kids.

 

I'd rather see custodial sentences reserved for people who have intent to harm others.  Or severe negligence, as in the case of a DUI.

 

[mushroomdave]

Well at least he admitted to falling asleep. 

Usually an accident story states "brake failure / undetermined" when we know what it usually is.  

 

[jvs]

7 hours ago, FlorC said:

What is a Rayong–Mukdahan bus doing in Prachuap Khiri Khan ?

Serious detour.

According to the OP the bus is usually doing Rayong -Mukdahan but was now rented out to go some where else.