SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – A drunk BMW driver crashed head-on into a karaoke bar in Samut Prakan at night, injuring eight people and leaving the venue in ruins.
Car leaves road and smashes into bar
Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, emergency centres were alerted after a black BMW left the carriageway on Sri Waree Noi Road. Travelling at high speed, the car broke through the wall of a karaoke bar and came to rest among tables and chairs inside the premises. Rescue workers found a scene of devastation; seven people in the bar were injured, though their wounds were reportedly not life-threatening.
Driver admits drinking beer at golf course
The driver, who was also slightly injured, struggled to recall what had happened. To police in Bang Phli, he admitted that he had drunk beer earlier at a golf course before driving home towards Thepharak Road.
“He said he could not remember how the accident happened,”
said a police officer, noting that the road at the crash site was straight and without curves.
Bar and parked cars badly damaged
The karaoke bar suffered heavy damage as the vehicle tore through tables and chairs, leaving a trail of destruction. In addition, two parked cars outside the venue were struck by debris and damaged, with property losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands of baht. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and, after treatment, was placed in police custody.
Police pursue charges over drunk driving
Authorities described the incident as another disturbing example of the danger posed by alcohol at the wheel in Thailand, where such crashes continued to occur despite strict laws and checks. Police in Samut Prakan opened an investigation on charges of negligent bodily harm and drunk driving, offences that could bring heavy penalties and the suspension of the driver’s licence. It was considered fortunate that no one was killed, as the force of the impact could easily have made the crash fatal.
Zero-tolerance warning and call for alternatives
Officials used the case to issue a fresh warning to motorists.
“Never drive under the influence of alcohol,”
said a police spokesperson, stressing the zero-tolerance stance. After social evenings at golf courses or restaurants, many drivers still overestimated their abilities, the spokesperson added, saying that a free taxi service was always the better option.
Lasting shock for victims
According to authorities, the eight injured people were considered lucky to have survived, but the shock and their injuries were expected to linger. Investigators linked the ordeal directly to what they called an irresponsible decision to drive after drinking, underscoring ongoing concerns about reckless driving and public safety in entertainment areas.