Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A six-wheel lorry carrying Rohingya migrants crashed into the rear of a cement truck on the Asia Highway in Phatthalung early on 13 January 2026, triggering panic as dozens ran into nearby forest. About 30 Rohingya were being transported under a tarpaulin, with multiple injuries reported and more than 10 people fleeing the scene. Emergency crews treated the injured and police launched an investigation into suspected human smuggling.

The collision occurred at about 06:00 southbound on the Asia Highway in Moo 1, Tam Chamuang, Khuan Khanun district, Phatthalung province. Police and Khuan Khanun rescue teams responded after the lorry slammed into the cement truck with force, badly damaging the six-wheel vehicle. The lorry driver, identified as Kittipong, 25, suffered injuries to both legs, while a 21-year-old Thai passenger was trapped in the wreckage and freed after around 20 minutes before being taken to hospital.

Checks at the rear of the lorry found it was covertly transporting Rohingya migrants under a covered bed. Officials reported about 30 people on board, including injured women and children, with seven women injured and five others, including children, initially assessed as unhurt. Some victims had broken arms and legs, while others complained of general pain and were taken to Khuan Khanun Hospital.

Several Rohingya crossed the road and ran into forest on the roadside, with more than 10 believed to have escaped. Some were later found injured and hiding in nearby grass, as authorities continued to verify the total number of passengers. Police said the search and headcount were ongoing.

Kittipong told police the lorry belonged to his mother and had been purchased recently, having previously been used to deliver snacks but earning insufficient income. He said a friend contacted him via a Line group offering well-paid work, quoting 60,000 baht per trip, without initially explaining the nature of the job. He parked the lorry in Ban Phaeo district, Samut Songkhram, then was instructed to travel to Hat Yai, Songkhla, but fell asleep causing the collision.

Amarin reported that he added he needed money to help his mother repay outstanding Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives debt of about 500,000–600,000 baht. The cement truck driver, Prasert, 64, said he was travelling in the left lane when the lorry struck the rear of his vehicle, prompting him to pull over about 100 metres away. Police said legal proceedings would follow.

Key Takeaways

• A six-wheel lorry carrying Rohingya migrants crashed into a cement truck on 13 January 2026 in Phatthalung.

• About 30 Rohingya were on board, with multiple injuries and more than 10 fleeing into nearby forest.

• Police are investigating suspected smuggling, with the driver citing fatigue and financial pressure.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-14

 

 

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