Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A school shuttle bus overturned on a provincial road in Roi Et early on 25 December 2025, leaving five students with injuries and the 73-year-old driver hurt. The crash occurred at about 6.40am on the Rong Kham–Phon Thong road in Sa Nok Kaeo subdistrict, Phon Thong district, disrupting morning travel and prompting an emergency response from police and rescue workers.

 

The bus, which was transporting students from a local college, slid off the roadway and rolled onto its side after the driver reported being temporarily blinded by sunlight. Rescue teams from Chao Pu Kut Peng provided first aid at the scene, while police secured the area to assess damage and ensure safety on the busy route, which is currently undergoing expansion works.

 

According to police from Phon Thong Police Station, the crash happened on a stretch of road being widened from two lanes to four. The bus was found off the carriageway in an overturned position, and five passengers were identified as students from a college, all of whom sustained injuries such as bruises and abrasions. They were conscious and treated at the scene before being allowed to recover at home, without hospital admission.

 

The driver was identified as Mr Sanong, aged 73, who suffered chest injuries and was taken to Phon Thong Hospital for treatment. He told investigators that he had been driving to pick up more students, travelling from Ban Natom towards Phon Thong district to collect pupils at Ban Nong Dong. At the time of the incident, he said sunlight shone directly into his eyes, preventing him from seeing the road clearly and causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

 

Police investigators examined the site, documenting the scene and gathering photographic evidence. Witnesses and surrounding circumstances are being reviewed to determine whether road conditions, visibility or other contributing factors played a role. The ongoing road expansion works are also expected to form part of the assessment.

 

The incident has raised questions about safety standards for school transport, particularly involving older drivers and early-morning driving conditions. Authorities have not issued immediate policy responses but confirmed that the legal process will proceed in line with standard procedures following traffic crashes involving injuries.

 

Amarin reported that investigators will summon the driver for further questioning once his medical condition allows. Police will continue to review evidence and statements before deciding on any legal action, while the transport operator is expected to cooperate fully with the inquiry to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A school shuttle bus overturned in Roi Et on 25 December 2025, injuring five students and the driver.

• The 73-year-old driver said sunlight in his eyes caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

• Police are investigating the crash and will question the driver further as part of legal proceedings.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-26

 

 

Unfortunately, Thailand is full of drivers like this,
with absolutely no sense of responsibility.

On 12/26/2025 at 11:27 AM, Peterphuket said:

Unfortunately, Thailand is full of drivers like this,
with absolutely no sense of responsibility.

At age 73 he should be retired.