CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A gray Ford pickup ploughed into a coffee shop and a chicken rice restaurant before dawn, leaving both businesses wrecked and facing closure for repairs. The owner estimates damage at nearly 1 million Baht.
The accident happened at the Thong Phan Bai Coffee and Mei Jong Chicken Rice branch number 2 on Somphot 700 Pi Road in Mae Hia sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai district. The collision smashed doors, metal roller shutters, glass, walls and ceilings. Coffee machines and glass display cases were also damaged.
Owner returns to find wreckage
Warakorn Saengsuphon, 37, known as Pop, had locked up after closing and gone home to San Phak Wan sub-district. When he came back Saturday morning to open up, he found the pickup sitting inside the shops. He was shocked and put the repair costs at nearly 1 million Baht.
Both shops were unable to open for business that day.
Police called at 1:30 am
Police received a report about the crash around 1:30 am. Officers arrived at the scene and found a gray Ford pickup with a badly damaged front and a burst tyre. The 48-year-old driver from Mueang Lampang district had minor injuries. The exact cause of the crash remained unclear.
Emergency responders attended to the driver at the scene.
Driver taken in for questioning
Police took the driver for questioning to determine what caused the accident. His name was not released. Officials documented the scene and had the pickup towed to Mueang Chiang Mai police station.
The driver suffered only light injuries, police said.
Shops closed during repairs
According to Warakorn, nobody was inside either shop at the time of the crash. Both businesses will remain closed for a long period while repairs are carried out, interrupting operations.
The owner now faces a costly rebuild before he can reopen.