PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, THAILAND – Four members of a family, including a two-year-old boy, died when their SUV crashed on Phetkasem Road near Bang Saphan.
Four family members killed in SUV crash
The accident on the major Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province occurred on 20 February 2026, when a Toyota Fortuner with Bangkok plates struck a roadside power pole, overturned and was completely destroyed. All four occupants died at the scene.
Collision on key north–south highway
According to police, the crash happened at about 10:30 a.m. on the Bangkok-bound carriageway at kilometre 370+700 in Moo 2, Ban Nong Chan, Chai Kasem subdistrict, Bang Saphan district. Phetkasem Road is one of Thailand’s most important north–south routes, linking the southern provinces directly with Bangkok.
Rescue teams find wrecked vehicle
Officers from the Thong Chai Police Station led by Pol Lt Col Somchai Yoddamnoenkul were alerted and coordinated the response with Pol Col Wichet Choeyklin, medical staff from Bang Saphan Hospital, rescuers from the Sawang Rat Sattha Thammasathan Foundation and the local Chai Kasem subdistrict rescue unit. At the scene, they found the severely damaged Toyota Fortuner pressed against a power pole, and confirmed that 66-year-old Pornpan had already died.
All four occupants die at the scene
Inside the vehicle, emergency personnel confirmed three further fatalities, including the 67-year-old driver Witthaya, a former employee of the Government Savings Bank, who died at the wheel. Also killed on the back seat were 70-year-old Nikhom and two-year-old Thanwin, meaning all four occupants died at the scene of the accident.
Family was travelling to visit son in Bangkok
Investigators established that the victims were a family with relatives in Bang Saphan district who had set off from their home in Cha-uat district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province and were travelling to Bangkok to visit a son. The crash took place on a long, straight section of road, and relatives were informed immediately so that religious funeral rites could be arranged.
Possible causes: sudden lane change or fatigue
Police were examining whether the driver lost control after another vehicle cut in, or whether microsleep might have been the cause. Both scenarios were described as common on long, straight stretches and among the most frequent causes of accidents on Thailand’s highways.
Scene meticulously recorded for investigation
Investigators stated that the crash site was precisely measured and documented to determine the exact reason for the collision with the power pole. Authorities said they would not release further details until the investigation was complete.
Deadly crash renews safety debate on Phetkasem corridor
According to a report by the newspaper Khaosod, the fatal accident reignited debate about traffic safety along the heavily used Phetkasem corridor. The route is regarded as a central axis for traffic from the southern provinces towards Bangkok, which is why serious accidents there receive particular attention from the authorities.