The minivan, operated by Phen Phet Visa Run in Chalong, in the south of Phuket, was carrying foreigners on a visa run to Penang, Malaysia, when the accident happened.

Capt Manop Suwanmanee of Srinakarin Police Station in Phatthalung Province confirmed the accident occurred at about 3:40am.

“The driver, Theerapong Thanrot, said he drifted off to sleep while driving.

Phuket to Penang visa run van hits sign, goes off-road as driver asleep at wheel