A 15-year-old boy died after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck, driven by a Chinese national who later fled the scene in Pattaya, Chonburi. Police have since issued an arrest warrant for the driver, while the victim’s mother has offered a 100,000-baht reward for information leading to his capture.

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The incident occurred at around 21.00 on 21 February on Phatthanakan Road in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, outside a Karaoke. The victim, identified only as Tommy, had been riding his motorcycle to a friend’s house to stay overnight before travelling the following day to obtain a driving licence.

According to his mother, 38-year-old Saitharn Singstrand, she was informed that her son had been involved in a serious crash and was rushed to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Medical staff attempted to save him, but he later died from his injuries.

CCTV footage and witness accounts indicate that a grey Toyota pickup truck driven by a Chinese man later identified as Wang Xian had reportedly made a U-turn before reversing across the road. The motorcycle, travelling straight along the roadway, was unable to stop in time and collided violently with the side of the vehicle.

Bystanders reportedly rushed to help and attempted to resuscitate the injured teenager at the scene. During the confusion, the pickup driver allegedly tried to hid, with witnesses stating that another vehicle arrived and took the Chinese man away.

Witnesses also claimed that during the chaos the driver first attempted to offer around 100,000 baht to persuade people to give statements that would alter the facts of the incident. The witnesses said they refused the money and insisted they would provide truthful accounts to authorities.

Investigators later gathered evidence from CCTV footage and witness statements. Approximately 15 days after the crash, police sought and obtained a court warrant for the suspect’s arrest on the charge of reckless driving causing death.

However, authorities believe the suspect has already left Thailand. Information obtained during the investigation suggests that members of the suspect’s family and his company remain located near the area where the crash occurred.

The victim’s mother said she is determined to see the case pursued and justice delivered. She announced a reward of 100,000 baht for anyone who provides information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 14 Mar 2026

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So the victim had no driverslicence and nowhere is mentioned if he was wearing a helmet and his speed... Although it is sad that a life is lost again, he was not allowed to drive on a motorcycle..Mother can be sad and offer money for information, but in fact, as in many accidents, the boy was not allowed in to drive a motorcycle...As long as the RTP and parents and the kids don't change anything these accidents will happen. the rules are clear drive a motorcycle when have a driverslicense and wear a helmet and don't speed.... but in Thailand sadly none is enforced

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

So the victim had no driverslicence and nowhere is mentioned if he was wearing a helmet and his speed... Although it is sad that a life is lost again, he was not allowed to drive on a motorcycle..Mother can be sad and offer money for information, but in fact, as in many accidents, the boy was not allowed in to drive a motorcycle...As long as the RTP and parents and the kids don't change anything these accidents will happen. the rules are clear drive a motorcycle when have a driverslicense and wear a helmet and don't speed.... but in Thailand sadly none is enforced

I agree with what you say. But this is Thailand, where the driver got 2 weeks to put his life in order and leave before anyone gets a court order to arrest him.

'this is Thailand, where the driver got 2 weeks to put his life in order and leave before anyone gets a court order to arrest him.'

This was before the mother offered a reward. Even Pattaya police would not turn up their noses at 100K.

15 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Pattaya police would not turn up their noses at 100K

Exactly.

Since they are arguably under-paid, this is a good incentive.

But if I had witnessed it, no way I would take the money from a mother who just lost her child. It's exploitation of someone desperate.

But you can't blame the police or the average person from taking it.

17 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Exactly.

Since they are arguably under-paid, this is a good incentive.

But if I had witnessed it, no way I would take the money from a mother who just lost her child. It's exploitation of someone desperate.

But you can't blame the police or the average person from taking it.

The mother offers 100k, but is she in fact not responsible for her education and keep her kid(s) of the motorbikes before they have a license?? I have a mixed feeling about it..

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

So the victim had no driverslicence and nowhere is mentioned if he was wearing a helmet and his speed... Although it is sad that a life is lost again, he was not allowed to drive on a motorcycle..Mother can be sad and offer money for information, but in fact, as in many accidents, the boy was not allowed in to drive a motorcycle...As long as the RTP and parents and the kids don't change anything these accidents will happen. the rules are clear drive a motorcycle when have a driverslicense and wear a helmet and don't speed.... but in Thailand sadly none is enforced

It's just been on the Thai morning news, the rider was gunning it by the look of the CCTV