Accident One Man Dead After Pickup Truck Plunges into Reservoir in Chiang Mai

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A scenic drive turned into a disaster, when a pickup truck driver lost control and plunged into a reservoir in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province. One man managed to survive by clinging to floating debris, while the other drowned before rescuers could reach him.

 

The incident occurred near San Nong Reservoir in Moo 7, Chang Khoeng subdistrict. Police from Mae Chaem Police Station received a report of a vehicle crash, involving two men, prompting the immediate deployment of rescue teams, divers and disaster response personnel from Chom Thong district.

 

At the scene, authorities found a pickup truck submerged in the reservoir. Mr. Thanaphong, aged 48, survived the ordeal and was found in a state of shock. He later recounted the events leading up to the crash.

 

According to Mr. Thanaphong, he and his friend Mr. Duangdee Klaanarongkhwan had been drinking alcohol together in the village earlier in the day. Mr. Duangdee then suggested they take a drive along the ridge of San Nong Reservoir to enjoy the view. While driving along the elevated bank, the vehicle driver suddenly lost control and plunged into the water.

 

Both men struggled to escape the sinking truck and attempted to swim to shore. Mr. Thanaphong was able to survive by grabbing onto a piece of floating wood. Mr. Duangdee disappeared beneath the surface before help could arrive.

 

Divers later recovered Mr. Duangdee’s lifeless body from the reservoir.

 

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial findings suggest alcohol consumption and unsafe driving contributed to the fatal crash.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-12

 

 

 

[rebo]

On 7/12/2025 at 4:19 AM, Georgealbert said:

the vehicle driver suddenly lost control and plunged into the water

What a BS!

[Packer]

On 7/12/2025 at 4:19 AM, Georgealbert said:

had been drinking alcohol together in the village

👍

[impulse]

After watching dozens of YouTube episodes of Adventures With Purpose and spinoffs (and other channels), I wonder how many cars and trucks are at the bottom of Thai lakes and rivers. 

 

The YouTube guys go around the USA looking for people's loved ones or just random vehicles and sometimes find a dozen cars in a short stretch of river.  Mostly unoccupied, but occasionally with bodies in them.

 

I'm too old to even think about scuba diving for wrecks in murky Thai waters, but if I were younger...