Bus Driver Admits Drinking Before Phetchit Crash

A long-distance bus overturned on Highway 117 in Phichit province during the early hours of 18 June 2026, leaving 25 passengers with injuries. The air-conditioned first-class bus, registered in Sukhothai, was travelling from Sukhothai to Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal when it overturned onto its side near the Phichit Industrial Estate at kilometre marker 97 in Nong Lum subdistrict, Wachirabarami district.

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Police from Pluak Sung Highway Police Station received reports of the crash shortly after midnight. Officers, investigators from Wachirabarami Police Station and rescue workers attended the scene, where passengers were found trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency responders worked to free those affected and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that a total of 25 passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate severity.

Investigators identified the driver as 52-year-old Anucha. According to police, he had been driving the bus on its scheduled route from Sukhothai to Bangkok when the crash occurred.

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

Lt. Col. Phattharaphon Thapwat, deputy investigating officer at Wachirabarami Police Station, said the driver underwent an alcohol test after the incident. The test recorded a blood alcohol level over the legal limit for a commercial driver.

The driver admitted he had consumed a small amount of alcohol before the journey. He told police that he became drowsy while driving and briefly fell asleep at the wheel.

According to his statement, he regained awareness only after losing control of the vehicle. The bus then left the carriageway, entered the central median and overturned onto its side, resulting in the injuries.

Following the crash, local district authorities arranged hotel accommodation for stranded passengers overnight while replacement transport was organised. A substitute bus provided by the operating company collected all remaining passengers on the morning of 18 June and continued the journey to Bangkok.

Komchadluek reported that police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities also confirmed that three injured passengers remained in hospital receiving treatment following the incident.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 19 June 2026

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