A Chinese tourist holidaying in Pattaya, identified as Mr. Chi Fai Lam, 48, fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early this morning and later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital, according to TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Pattaya Sai Song road. Despite the serious injury, the driver did not stop to assist Mr. Lam.
Ms. Sri Phai Panthongdi, 56, a motorcycle taxi rider nearby, heard someone call out that a tourist was lying injured on the road after falling from the vehicle. She quickly called the authorities to help and investigate the situation. The songthaew driver, alerted by the vehicle owner, later came to the police station and denied trying to escape, claiming he was unaware a passenger had fallen off.
The driver mentioned that he had picked up seven to eight tourists at the Dolphin Circle and was taking them to Walking Street when the accident occurred.
Police reviewed a surveillance camera clip which shows the tourist falling backwards and hitting his head on the road while apparently attempting to get off the vehicle.
