Three Killed as Migrant Transport Pickup Overturns

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

A police pursuit of a pickup truck suspected of transporting Myanmar migrant workers ended in a fatal crash in Phatthalung province, leaving three people dead and 12 others injured. The vehicle driver lost control and overturned into a roadside ditch in the early hours of 21 January 2026, causing multiple casualties among those being transported.

The incident occurred at about 00.20 on 21 January 2026, when Pol Sub Lt Sunthorn Yingkhong, a duty officer at Pa Bon Police Station, was alerted to a serious road incident. The crash took place on the Phru Pho–Thung Naree road in Moo 3, Pa Bon subdistrict, Pa Bon district, Phatthalung. The pickup truck, registered in Chumphon province, was reportedly carrying a group of Myanmar nationals when it veered off the road and overturned.

At the scene, police found two male Myanmar nationals dead in a roadside ditch. Thirteen others were injured, including 10 women and three men, all Myanmar nationals whose identities were not immediately known. Later, authorities confirmed that another had died after being taken to hospital, bringing the total death toll to three.

The driver of the pickup truck, a Thai male, was injured in the crash and taken to Rattaphum Hospital for treatment. Police stated that he was informed of charges related to the incident while receiving medical care. The injured migrants were also transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with the severity of their injuries varying.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the pickup truck was suspected of illegally transporting migrant workers. Officers from the Border Patrol Police had attempted to stop the vehicle, which led to a pursuit before the driver lost control. The crash resulted in the vehicle overturning into the roadside ditch, causing fatalities and numerous injuries.

ThaiRath reported that authorities carried out a detailed investigation and gathered further evidence. Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the pursuit, the condition of the vehicle and whether additional offences were involved. Further legal proceedings are expected once the investigation is complete.

Key Takeaways

• A pickup truck carrying Myanmar migrant workers overturned in Phatthalung after a police pursuit, killing three people.

• The crash occurred at about 00.20 on 21 January 2026 on the Phru Pho–Thung Naree road in Pa Bon district.

• Police are continuing their investigation, and the injured driver has been informed of charges.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thairath 2026-01-22