Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A school transport truck carrying 39 students plunged into a canal in Pathum Thani province on 21 January 2026, triggering panic as passengers scrambled to escape. The accident occurred at around 5.00pm when a large songthaew driver, used to collect and drop off students, lost control and veered off the road. Five students sustained minor injuries, while the remaining 34 escaped unharmed.

Police from Nong Suea Police Station said the vehicle was transporting students from Nong Suea Wittayakhom School when it left the Bang Khan–Nong Suea Road and fell into Khlong Aen 11. The truck, registered in Pathum Thani, was found partially submerged in the canal. Students, both male and female, were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

According to initial reports, nearby residents and passers-by rushed to help as students exited the vehicle in distress. Emergency services were called to the scene and the injured students were taken to Nong Suea Hospital for treatment. Medical staff treated all five injured students for minor wounds before allowing their parents to take them home later.

The remaining students were reported to be safe and were placed under the close supervision of officials and parents following the incident. The incident caused alarm among parents and residents, particularly given the number of children involved.

Investigators said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Police are examining whether the incident resulted from the condition of the vehicle, the state of the road, or driver negligence. Officers documented the scene and coordinated with a recovery vehicle to lift the songthaew out of the canal.

This incident follows several recent serious road accidents involving passenger vehicles, including cases linked to labour transport trucks and buses. These events have renewed attention on road safety, especially for vehicles carrying large numbers of passengers.

Amarin reported that local police said a full investigation is under way and the driver taken in for questioning. Legal action will be taken once the exact cause is established. Officials are also expected to review safety measures for school transport vehicles in the area.

Key Takeaways

• A school transport songthaew carrying 39 students plunged into a canal in Nong Suea on 21 January 2026.

• Five students suffered minor injuries and were treated at Nong Suea Hospital, while 34 were unharmed.

• Police are investigating whether road conditions, vehicle condition, or driver negligence caused the crash.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-22

 

 

UPDATE

Police Blame Negligence in School Bus Canal Crash

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A school transport vehicle carrying students from Nong Suea Witthayakhom School skidded off the road and plunged into a canal in Pathum Thani province, injuring 33 students, though none seriously. Police have indicated the driver was negligent, while a mechanic confirmed the front tyres were almost worn smooth and unfit for use. The crash occurred on the evening of 21 January 2026 in Nong Suea district.

The incident took place along Khlong Aen 11, Moo 1, Bueng Ba subdistrict, after heavy rain before and after school hours. The vehicle, a shared pickup-style songthaew used for student transport, crashed after the driver lost control while dropping students off along local roads and canal-side routes. All 33 passengers were students from the school.

Police from Nong Suea station recovered and impounded the vehicle, later storing it at an evidence warehouse. Inspection showed the front tyres had bald treads and hardened rubber, increasing the risk of skidding in rainy conditions, according to a mechanic at the site. The front of the vehicle was damaged, and textbooks and exercise books were found scattered inside.

Mr Samniang Donsaard, director of Nong Suea Witthayakhom School, said all students were safely rescued, with the driver smashing a window to help them escape. Injuries were minor, including head wounds and hand injuries caused while students supported themselves exiting the vehicle. All students were taken to Nong Suea Hospital for checks, with three to four later receiving additional examinations arranged by parents.

The school reported that nearly all affected students returned to class the following day. Teachers have been monitoring students’ conditions closely and the school plans home visits to provide support. The director said the school had reiterated safety guidance to students and convened discussions with the transport operator and the student transport association.

Police investigator Pol Lt Col Pramuan Nualngam stated that the driver admitted to negligent driving, though charges have not yet been filed pending verification of damage to public property and confirmation of student injuries. Authorities said the driver tested negative for alcohol and they are continuing their investigation.

Khoasod reported that the school has called an urgent meeting with the student transport club to review safety standards. Measures will focus on vehicle condition, driver responsibility, and student discipline during travel. Nong Suea Witthayakhom School currently serves 2,138 students and is supported by 54 registered student transport vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• A school transport vehicle crashed into a canal on 21 January 2026, injuring 33 students without serious harm.

• Police cited driver negligence, while a mechanic confirmed the vehicle’s front tyres were bald and unsafe.

• The school and authorities are reviewing transport safety measures before charges are filed.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-22

 

 

You don't need a mechanic to work out that the tyres are shot! Does the driver employed by a company via the school or just freelance?

12 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

You don't need a mechanic to work out that the tyres are shot! Does the driver employed by a company via the school or just freelance?

Just rotate them it'll be fine.

Two stories.... 1. Five students sustained minor injuries, while the remaining 34 escaped unharmed.

2. Plunged into a canal in Pathum Thani province, injuring 33 students,

39 on board .... most seated, others sitting on the floor and perhaps 4 hanging on the back ! Same school 'buses' all over Thailand.

...'Caused Alarm'...(?)

...Should Have Caused Outrage...(?)

The truck, registered in Pathum Thani, was found partially submerged in the canal. Students, both male and female, were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

That's gotta be scary, crashing is bad enough, when water starts coming in it's time to get out quick

5 hours ago, Humpy said:

Two stories.... 1. Five students sustained minor injuries, while the remaining 34 escaped unharmed.

2. Plunged into a canal in Pathum Thani province, injuring 33 students,

39 on board .... most seated, others sitting on the floor and perhaps 4 hanging on the back ! Same school 'buses' all over Thailand.

Thanks, also sitting on the roof!! Very common practice where I lived in Northern Thailand. How the kids managed to dodge overhanging branches amazed me!

What about safety standards for school transport like capacity requirements?

39 students?

Prevention of hazards really non existent in Thai culture…why? No one wants to pay for it

Then don’t complain about the consequences or demand action about incidents not accidents