PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 45-year-old motorcyclist was killed and his 30-year-old passenger seriously injured in a late-night collision with a van near Pattaya, according to police.
Fatal crash near midnight in Huay Yai
The collision occurred on Thetsaban 1 Road in the Huay Yai subdistrict of Bang Lamung at around 11:06 p.m. on 13 December, police reported. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, medical staff from Yanasangvararam Temple Hospital and officers from Huay Yai Police Station were quickly dispatched after reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and a van with one fatality and one seriously injured person.
Motorcyclist dies at the scene
Near a roadside power pole, responders found a heavily damaged blue Honda Wave 110i motorcycle with Bangkok registration lying on its side. Not far away lay the rider, identified as Phongphirom Phetkhong (45), an air-conditioning technician, who had sustained severe injuries and was barely breathing. Rescue workers immediately began CPR but were unable to stabilise him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police cordoned off the area, documented the situation and had the body covered in order to preserve evidence. The remains of Phongphirom were later transferred to Yanasangvararam Temple Hospital, where they were to be kept until relatives completed formalities and organised religious funeral ceremonies.
Passenger seriously injured and hospitalised
A few metres away, helpers found the pillion rider, Trirot Ayusri (30), also an air-conditioning technician, injured beside the power pole. He had suffered a broken left leg and multiple abrasions on his body, and his condition was described as serious. Rescue teams provided initial treatment at the scene before rushing him to hospital.
Van driver stays on site and cooperates
The second vehicle, a white Toyota van with Bangkok licence plates, showed clear damage to the right front bumper. The driver, Chinbut Panyasit (43), remained at the scene and cooperated with police. According to Trirot, he and Phongphirom had been on their way home, travelling behind the van in the same lane, when the motorcyclist moved to overtake on the right as the van reportedly turned right at the same time towards a convenience store, resulting in a side collision.
Conflicting accounts of how crash occurred
Chinbut gave a different account of the events.
“I was driving straight, slowed down and put on the right turn signal to turn into the shop,”
said Chinbut Panyasit, van driver.
“Vehicles behind me were waiting, but the motorcycle came up from behind at high speed and crashed hard into the right front. I stopped immediately and called for help.”
said Chinbut Panyasit, van driver.
Police review CCTV and evidence
Officers from Huay Yai Police Station carried out an initial forensic examination at the site, recording vehicle positions and damage. Nearby CCTV footage was to be reviewed to determine the exact sequence of events and ensure fairness to all parties involved. At the time of reporting, the police investigation was ongoing.
Road safety risks highlighted in Pattaya area
The crash underscored recurring risks on main and feeder roads in the Pattaya region, including overtaking near driveways and shops, turning while changing lanes or from unclear positions, speed differences between cars or vans and motorcycles, and limited visibility at night on poorly lit stretches. Authorities indicated that such factors were common in serious traffic incidents in the area.