Landslide Crashes into Police Vehicle During Heavy Rain in Chiang Rai

Picture courtesy of SiamNews

A police patrol vehicle was damaged by a sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai, with officers narrowly escaping injury by leaping to safety.

The incident occurred on 29 July along the Mae Chan–Mae Ai road between Ban Pang Sa and Ban Huai Ma Hin Fon in Pa Tung subdistrict, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai province.

Police Lieutenant Suphot Thepkarn, deputy inspector of Mae Chan Police Station, received reports of a landslide near kilometre markers 223–224 on the mountain road. He responded to the scene with Police Sub-Lieutenant Sombun Chiangphrom in a marked police pickup truck.

Upon arrival, officers found the road partially blocked by large rocks and soil, leaving only one lane passable. They pulled over to the roadside, activated the emergency lights and began placing traffic cones to warn motorists, with assistance from officials from the Highway Department.

While clearing debris and setting up safety cones at both ends of the affected stretch, several more large rocks unexpectedly tumbled down the hillside. The officers were forced to leap out of the way to avoid being hit. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

However, the parked police vehicle sustained damage on its left side, including the rear bed and side mirror. The vehicle was moved to a safer location, and authorities issued a public advisory urging caution when travelling through the area, especially during periods of heavy rain.

Officials continue to monitor the site as further landslides remain a possibility amid ongoing wet weather conditions. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel on mountain routes until the situation stabilises.

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-07-31