Pictures courtesy of NBT

A tour bus driver, carrying more than 50 passengers was forced to take emergency action, making an emergency run-off and driving off the road in Loei province on the morning of 4 January 2026, with all passengers escaping without injury. The incident occurred at around 8.30am on the Santom–Tha Li road, Highway 2399, shortly before Ban Wang Kham in Tha Li subdistrict, Tha Li district. Some passengers panicked and smashed windows to escape the vehicle but were able to get out safely.

The bus was transporting tourists to Tha Li district and Chiang Khan district when the incident occurred. The driver chose to use a shortcut route that involves a continuous downhill stretch of more than five kilometres. Due to the steep descent, the driver had to apply the brakes repeatedly, causing the brakes to overheat and fail, leaving the vehicle being uncontrollable and unable to slow down.

As the braking system failed, the driver steered the bus off the road to prevent a more serious crash. The bus struck a road side warning sign and a sign belonging to a nearby coffee shop before finally coming to a stop on the roadside. This prevented the bus from continuing downhill and potentially causing a major collision.

Officials from the disaster prevention and mitigation unit of Tha Li Subdistrict Administrative Organisation responded to the scene. They assisted passengers after they escaped from the bus and ensured the area was made safe. No injuries were reported among the passengers or the driver.

The road where the incident occurred is known for frequent crashes, particularly involving large vehicles. Local authorities have previously installed warning signs and imposed restrictions prohibiting certain large trucks and buses, from using the route. Despite these measures, drivers continue to ignore the warnings, especially those unfamiliar with the road conditions.

Authorities have repeatedly cautioned drivers to avoid using the route, highlighting the risks posed by steep gradients and long downhill sections. The incident has renewed concerns about road safety in the area and the effectiveness of enforcement measures aimed at preventing incidents involving heavy vehicles.

NBT reported that investigations are continuing and will focus on the circumstances leading to the brake failure and the decision to use the prohibited route, before charging the driver. Officials are also likely to review existing warning systems and enforcement practices to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Key Takeaways

• A tour bus driver, carrying more than 50 passengers took emergency run-off action, after brake failure on 4 January 2026 in Tha Li district, Loei.

• All passengers escaped safely after breaking windows, with no injuries reported.

• The incident occurred on a hazardous downhill road where large vehicles are already prohibited.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBT 2026-01-05

 

 

If he did not speed and changed to a lower gear to descent the brakes would not be overheated.. Just a lack of driving education... And than why did he use the shortcut. He should have stayed on the normal road, as it is known that there is a steep descent..