17 Foreign Tourists Injured in Bus Accident in Southern Thailand
A chartered tour bus carrying international tourists from Bangkok’s Khao San Road to Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province collided with a rubber-loaded trailer truck at 4:00 AM on Monday, December 30. The accident occurred along Asia Highway 41, between kilometers 29 and 30, in Sawi district, Chumphon province.
The passengers included tourists from New Zealand, the United States, Spain, Hungary, France, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Seventeen individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals by rescue workers.
According to authorities, the 71-year-old bus driver admitted he was reaching for his mobile phone when the crash occurred, leaving him unable to apply the brakes in time. He has been taken to the Sawi Police Station for further investigation.
The remaining 26 passengers, who did not require medical attention, were temporarily relocated to the Un Ai Rak Shelter Center at the Sawi District Office as authorities worked to resolve the situation.
