A ‘VIP’ double-decker bus carrying a group of worshippers crashed into a roadside electricity pole in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, on the morning of 17 March 2026, leaving dozens injured. The impact snapped the high-voltage pole, which fell onto the vehicle, causing significant front-end damage and forcing the bus into a roadside ditch. At least one passenger sustained serious injuries, while many others suffered minor wounds.

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Police at Cha-am station were alerted to the incident at around 07:00, with emergency services, including Cha-am Hospital and Sawang Sanphet rescue teams, dispatched to the scene on Phetkasem Road, southbound, in the Huai Sai Tai community. The bus, operated by Wakin Travel, had been carrying approximately 50 passengers. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting the injured to Cha-am Hospital.

The driver, Mr Anuchit Thongnok, 41, from Buriram, sustained minor injuries and was taken in for questioning. According to his statement, the group had departed Bangkok at 22:00 on 16 March for a trip to nine temples, with their final destination at Wat Khao Tao in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Prior to the crash, the bus had stopped at a petrol station in Cha-am.

Mr Anuchit told police he was travelling in the right lane at around 70 km/h when another vehicle suddenly cut across from the left lane at close range. He said he swerved to avoid a collision, causing him to lose control of the bus and strike the electricity pole. Authorities are continuing their investigation to verify the circumstances of the incident.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Daily News reported that police coordinated transport for uninjured passengers, arranging for them to be taken to Cha-am Police Station before organising replacement vehicles from the bus company to continue their journey. The crash caused disruption along the route, while officials worked to clear the damaged pole and vehicle from the scene.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 18 Mar 2026

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It should be forbidden that busses with people are driving at n ight here in Thailand. The driver of the bus is probably very tired and than such accidents occur. Even in broad daylight it is dangerous

Over the years, the number of Thai people killed and injured whilst travelling by van or bus to make merit must be in the thousands.

These buses should be fitted with cameras by law.

Then the truth will be revealed.

Will this shake their faith or strengthen it? I am betting that everyone on the bus was wearing an amulet to ward off harm.

Those unharmed were wearing the right amulet; those hurt were wearing the wrong amulet.

Sorry for those hurt.

travelling in the right lane at around 70 km/h when another vehicle suddenly cut across from the left lane at close range.

unfortunately, this is very plausible.. happens all day, everyday.. jerkwads in a hurry to be first just jump out and cut right in front of the vehilce they "need" to get in front of..

Travelling in the right lane at 70. Should be in the left lane rather than right lane hogging

I thought they were getting rid of the double deckers. They certainly need to. I agree, cameras should be installed in various positions on the bus.

8 minutes ago, BHA said:

Travelling in the right lane at 70. Should be in the left lane rather than right lane hogging

With the amount of road works, pot holes and idiots coming the wrong way, it's actually safer driving in the middle or outside lane

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It should be forbidden that busses with people are driving at n ight here in Thailand. The driver of the bus is probably very tired and than such accidents occur. Even in broad daylight it is dangerous

You are probably very tired to read...

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr Anuchit told police he was travelling in the right lane at around 70 km/h when another vehicle suddenly cut across from the left lane at close range. He said he swerved to avoid a collision, causing him to lose control of the bus and strike the electricity pole.

Nonesense from driver. He should be in the left lane. A car cutting in front of you while driving should not cause you to need to swerve. I bet he got pissed off and decided to retaliate then lost control.

Geez people ... maybe at the time he went to the right, there was slower traffic in the left lane. And before he could get back over, sometimes not an easy task for a bus, some idiot passed him too close.

I'm guessing many of you have never driven larger vehicles, and don't realize how stupid & inconsiderate some 4 wheelers are. Very few yield when a bus or truck is trying to change lanes, as 15 or 30 seconds out of their day is just too much to sacrifice to be courteous.

Looking at the extent of the damage I am pleased that there were no immediate fatalities

On 3/18/2026 at 4:24 AM, Georgealbert said:

VIP’ double-decker

Victim In Progress seems typical for these types of Thailand buses.

On 3/18/2026 at 12:31 PM, BHA said:

Travelling in the right lane at 70. Should be in the left lane rather than right lane hogging

That’s how they drive here. It’s so the slow scooters and cars can safely drive at lower speed in the left lane. You move to the left when a faster vehicles comes from behind then move back to the right hand lane after it passes. It works!