Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when a Toyota Fortuner driver lost control and struck a roadside electricity pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on 20 February 2026. The crash occurred at around 10.30am on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, at kilometre marker 370+700 in Moo 2, Ban Nong Chan, Chai Kasem subdistrict, Bang Saphan district. Police said the vehicle overturned and was severely damaged, with one victim thrown from the car.

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Responding officers from Thong Chai Police Station, led by Pol Lt Col Somchai Yoddamnoenkul, were alerted to the incident and coordinated with Pol Col Wichet Choeyklin, Bang Saphan Hospital medical staff, Sawang Rat Sattha Thammasathan Foundation rescuers and Chai Kasem Subdistrict emergency services. The Toyota Fortuner, registration from Bangkok, was found crushed against the pole with its roof torn open. Nearby, the body of 66-year-old Pornpan was discovered outside the vehicle.

Inside the car, three further fatalities were confirmed. The driver, 67-year-old Witthaya, a former Government Savings Bank employee, died at the wheel. Also killed were 70-year-old Nikhom and two-year-old Thanwin, who were seated in the rear.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Investigators said the family had relatives in Bang Saphan and had been travelling from their home in Cha-uat district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, towards Bangkok to visit a son. The crash took place on a long straight stretch of road. Police reported they believe the driver may have lost control after another vehicle cut in front, or possibly due to falling asleep at the wheel.

All four occupants died at the scene. Officers stated that a detailed examination of the crash site was conducted to determine the precise cause. Relatives have been contacted to arrange religious funeral rites.

Khoasod reported that the incident has renewed attention on road safety along the Phetkasem Road corridor, a major route linking southern provinces with the capital. Authorities have not released further details pending the outcome of the investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Four family members, including a two-year-old child, died when their SUV struck a power pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

• The victims were travelling from Cha-uat district to Bangkok to visit a son at the time of the crash.

• Police are investigating whether the driver lost control due to another vehicle or falling asleep.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 21 Feb 2026

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This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly serious accidents can happen, especially on long highway stretches. Losing control at speed often leaves little chance for recovery. It also highlights the importance of seatbelt use, vehicle maintenance, and cautious driving. Incidents like this show why road safety awareness and enforcement remain critically important everywhere.

Outstanding, nailed that power pole spot on.

10/10.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police reported they believe the driver may have lost control after another vehicle cut in front, or possibly due to falling asleep at the wheel.

What? He also MAY have lost control by himself cutting in front of another vehicle or driving too fast and hitting a bunp in the road or or or...

A body being thrown from the car would lead me to speculate that few if any seatbelts were being worn and that the poor little boy was likely not in a child car seat (since adults that don't believe in safety often just let the kids stand at the back or sit on a lap etc.)