PATTAYA, THAILAND – A motorcyclist died in Nong Pla Lai near Pattaya after a head-on collision with a BMW 530i in the early hours of 15 March, prompting a police investigation into speed and possible alcohol use by the car’s driver.
Crash in Soi SR Shortly After 1:30 a.m.
Around 1:30 a.m., officers from the Banglamung Police Station and volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Mueang Pattaya Foundation were alerted to a serious crash in Soi SR, a small lane leading toward Khao Mai Kaew.
At the scene, responders found a grey BMW 530i sedan with a heavily damaged front end. The car had also knocked over a public utility pole, which it struck after the initial impact.
Victim Dead at Scene, Identity Unconfirmed
The motorcyclist, described as a Thai man, was already dead when rescue workers arrived. His identity had not yet been confirmed at that time.
According to investigators, his motorcycle, a black Honda Wave 100 with Chonburi license plate คตค 471, was completely destroyed. The remains lay scattered across the roadway as debris.
Driver Stayed at Scene and Cited Poor Visibility
The BMW driver, 34-year-old Phanuphat Homma, remained at the scene and was reportedly in shock, police said.
He told officers he had not seen the motorcyclist, pointing to the rising section of the road as a possible factor affecting his view.
“I did not see the motorcyclist and the uphill stretch of the road may have played a role,”
said Phanuphat Homma, driver.
Teenage Witnesses Report High Speed
Several teenagers who were riding motorcycles nearby said they had seen the BMW moments earlier approaching from the opposite direction at what they described as clearly excessive speed.
One of them told reporters they had just finished escorting a friend home when they noticed the car.
“We had just dropped a friend off and right before the impact we shouted, ‘Oh no!'”
said a teenage witness.
Investigation Focuses on CCTV and Alcohol Test
Forensic work at the site was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekachai Chai-amphon, deputy inspector at Banglamung Police Station, who ordered detailed documentation of the area.
To clarify the exact sequence of events, police planned to review surrounding CCTV footage. The BMW driver was taken into custody and subjected to a breath alcohol test as part of the ongoing investigation.