CHON BURI, THAILAND – A 22-year-old nursing student lost her life on Thailand’s Motorway 7 after she stopped to help victims of a night-time crash, underscoring persistent concerns about road safety on the country’s highways.
Deadly chain reaction on Motorway 7
The accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in Si Racha district, Chon Buri province, on the expressway linking Bangkok to Pattaya. Police said five vehicles were involved in the chain collision — an 18‑wheel Hino truck, a Toyota Fortuner, a Toyota Camry, a GAC Aion Y Plus electric car, and an MG.
Witnesses indicated that the Toyota Fortuner lost control and crashed into the truck. The following Camry then hit the Fortuner before skidding hard into the central barrier. Two men inside the Camry — Phanuphan Ratsamee, 40, from Thailand, and Jeon Kiyoung, 43, from South Korea — were found dead at the scene. Five others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A helper becomes a victim
Among the motorists who came upon the crash was Jirawadee Tonthongdaeng, a nursing trainee driving an electric SUV. Seeing the wreckage ahead, she reportedly stopped, called emergency services, and began rendering first aid to victims. Worried that more cars could slam into the wreck, she stepped onto the road to warn oncoming traffic.
Moments later, an MG vehicle approached at high speed. The driver braked too late, striking Jirawadee. She was killed instantly. Her body was later taken to her home province of Si Saket for funeral rites.
Rescue worker husband in critical condition
Tragically, one of the professional rescuers later confirmed as among the severely injured was Wanchaloem Anchunee, Jirawadee’s husband. According to Channel 7, the couple had been traveling together to celebrate her birthday when they stopped to help at the crash site — a decision that turned fatal.
Doctors at Chon Buri Hospital said Wanchaloem was in critical condition and required urgent surgery. Due to a shortage of blood supplies, the hospital issued an emergency appeal for donations to support the operation.
Highway closed for hours amid investigation
Emergency responders, including the Highway Police and volunteers from the Piao Yiang Tai Foundation, spent hours clearing wreckage and documenting the scene. Traffic on the motorway was fully closed during the investigation and recovery.
Authorities have yet to release findings on the exact cause of the initial collision, but the incident once again highlighted Thailand’s high rate of serious night-time crashes.
Public mourning and renewed safety calls
Photos of the wrecked Camry and mangled SUVs spread rapidly online, prompting an outpouring of condolences for Jirawadee. Social media users hailed her courage, calling her a “heroine who died saving others.”
Thailand consistently ranks among the world’s most dangerous countries for road fatalities. The tragedy deepened a growing call for improved motorway lighting, stricter speed enforcement, and greater driver caution, especially during late-night hours.
“HER DEATH REMINDS US THAT HELPING OTHERS ON THE ROAD SHOULD NEVER LEAD TO ANOTHER LIFE LOST,”
one comment read widely on Thai platforms, capturing the nation’s grief and frustration.
• Three people died in the collision.
• Five others were injured, including Jirawadee’s husband.
• Rescue efforts lasted several hours through the night.
• Authorities urged motorists to slow down and remain vigilant at crash scenes.
Jirawadee’s story has since become a symbol of selflessness — and a haunting reminder of how vulnerable even those who try to help can be on Thailand’s roads.