Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A 19-year-old first-year university student has died after a car struck his motorcycle and both vehicles plunged into a large pond in Bangkok in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The collision occurred at around 5.00am on 1 January 2026 on Plasin Road, which runs alongside Khlong Bang Bua in Bang Khen district, causing the student to drown at the scene.

Police from Bang Khen station said the victim, identified as Mr Patithep, was riding a grey Vespa motorcycle when it was hit from behind by a black Toyota Vios. The force of the impact sent both vehicles off the road at a bend near Wat Bang Bua and into a nearby pond.

The car was driven by Ms Malee, aged 28, who was travelling with another woman, Ms Sukontha, aged 30. Both women were pulled from the water with wet clothing and injuries and were taken to Paolo Kaset Hospital for treatment.

Investigators said the road where the crash happened has two lanes and includes a curved section close to the pond. The Toyota Vios, registered in Chiang Rai, was found with front-end damage, while the motorcycle, registered in Bangkok, had rear damage.

A witness told police that the black car appeared to be travelling at speed before it struck the motorcycle “with full force” on the curve. The witness said both vehicles were seen flying into the pond immediately after the impact.

Ms Malee told police she had been celebrating the New Year at an entertainment venue in the Wang Hin area before driving back to her accommodation in Ram Inthra. She said she was using a GPS navigation system to follow Plasin Road and claimed she was travelling at a normal speed.

She told officers she felt the car hit something suddenly before plunging into the water, adding, “I am not familiar with the road and I really did not see the motorcycle.” She and her friend reportedly smashed the car windows to escape from the submerged vehicle.

Police said Ms Malee is being questioned further as part of the investigation. Officers are also conducted an alcohol breath test to determine whether alcohol was present in her system at the time of the crash.

Khoasod reported that the body of Mr Patithep has been sent to the forensic medicine department at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police said his family will be notified so that funeral arrangements can proceed according to standard procedures.

Key Takeaways

• A 19-year-old first-year student drowned after his motorcycle was hit by a car and fell into a pond on 1 January 2026.

• The car driver said she was using GPS navigation and did not see the motorcycle on the curved road.

• Police are investigating the crash and completed an alcohol test as part of legal proceedings.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2026-01-02

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Ms Malee told police she had been celebrating the New Year at an entertainment venue in the Wang Hin area before driving back

So pissed then, and why can't Thais drive round bends ????

On 1/2/2026 at 9:05 AM, brian69 said:

So pissed then, and why can't Thais drive round bends ????

They drive me round the bend.

She said she was using a GPS navigation system to follow Plasin Road and claimed she was travelling at a normal speed.

Just look-out of the front window?

Its a bit dangerous to have a satnav that tells you to run over scooters

My mrs swears by GPS, everytime she uses it it takes her to the fridge..

On 1/2/2026 at 12:08 AM, Georgealbert said:

Police said Ms Malee is being questioned further as part of the investigation. Officers are also conducted an alcohol breath test to determine whether alcohol was present in her system at the time of the crash.

No comment on the result ???... 5am after NYW ?? what are the odds she was sauced up ?

Is 'following sat-nav' the new 'brake failure' ???

I'm surprised she didn't blame New Years Eve for making her tired !!!!

I truly, believe this Ms Malee should be hit with a heavy penalty and forced to compensate the death of Mr Patithep.

Clearly, she is dishonest and gives excuses beyond reasonable logic. GPS what the hell has that got to do with this as an excuse?

She killed a person who unfortunately was driving in front of her at that time of night at the same time and most likely due to the vehicle he was riding was at a speed most likely closer to the legal speed limit than the speed she was driving.

So Ms Malee, I suggest you open your wallet and look after the victims family!

51 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

I truly, believe this Ms Malee should be hit with a heavy penalty and forced to compensate the death of Mr Patithep.

Clearly, she is dishonest and gives excuses beyond reasonable logic. GPS what the hell has that got to do with this as an excuse?

She killed a person who unfortunately was driving in front of her at that time of night at the same time and most likely due to the vehicle he was riding was at a speed most likely closer to the legal speed limit than the speed she was driving.

So Ms Malee, I suggest you open your wallet and look after the victims family!

Agreed...

Though there is one caveat here...

Did the MC have rear-lights ?? - I'm often amazed at the amount of motorcycists 'ghosting it' around the street unaware that they cannot be easily seen.

On a very dark road - it would be easy not to see an unlit motorcycle until its too late - thats certainly a mitigating circumstance where one could argue that the MC was not road worth (if that were the case).

Its why a Dash-cam is so important.

But... Most importantly the DUI results are key... Was she pished up ??

As far as the following-sat nav excuse - its pathetic and extremely stupid.

Its not the first time I've heard the 'sat-nav' excuse - its as if Thai's hear one excuse from others and when something like this happens, the borrow the excuse and will use 'anything' to avoid admitting personal accountability.

In Thailand when do we ever hear "it was late, I was tired, I just didn't see him - its my fault"