Thread: Bus Crash at Pattaya Toll Booth Leaves 33 Russian Tourists Injured; Good Samaritans S

At roughly 18:46 on January 2nd, 2025, a bus carrying Russian tourists crashed into a toll booth on the inbound route to Pattaya, resulting in multiple injuries. The accident took place at the Pong toll booth in Chonburi Province near Pattaya leading to an immediate response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Center, highway police, tourist police, and other rescue teams.

The bus not only smashed into the toll booth but also collided with a barrier before impacting the rear of a black Toyota Fortuner. The chaos was compounded by an oil leak from the bus, which posed an additional hazard as the smell permeated the air.


Eyewitnesses and good Samaritans sprang into action, helping to evacuate passengers from the damaged bus. Among the chaos, some injured were found outside the vehicle, having been thrown from it upon impact. In total, 33 individuals were injured; six were in serious condition, and 27 sustained minor injuries. The victims included 30 from the bus and three from the Toyota Fortuner. First aid was administered on-site before the injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals.


Ms. Addy Yoosaran, a 44-year-old security guard at the Motorway, witnessed the incident unfold. She described how the Fortuner driver was decelerating to pass through the toll lane when the bus, driven by 74-year-old Mr. Sayan Kumpitak, suddenly changed lanes from one blocked by traffic cones to an open lane. This maneuver led to the bus driver losing control, crashing into the toll booth, barrier, and subsequently, the Fortuner. She noted the shock of the event and the urgency to evacuate due to the oil leak.

The bus had embarked from Koh Samet in Rayong Province, carrying 42 people, mostly Russian tourists, including the driver, towards Pattaya when the accident occurred. CCTV footage captured the sequence of events, showing the bus driving at high speed before the crash. Police Lieutenant Nattapol Ritthirong from Highway Police Division 1 has taken charge of the investigation, securing the CCTV footage as evidence. Initial reports suggest that brake failure might have played a role in the accident, though further questioning of the driver is required to confirm this.

Bus Crash at Pattaya Toll Booth Leaves 33 Russian Tourists Injured; Good Samaritans Step In - The Pattaya News

This 74 year old had already done the difficult part - apparently he drove from Koh Samet to the mainland.

It’s surprising a 74 year old is allowed to have a Class 2 drivers license.

Originally Posted by misskit

It’s surprising a 74 year old is allowed to have a Class 2 drivers license.

Yes he should be in junior training for a Songthaew job really.

showing the bus driving at high speed before the crash. Police Lieutenant Nattapol Ritthirong from Highway Police Division 1 has taken charge of the investigation, securing the CCTV footage as evidence. Initial reports suggest that brake failure might have played a role in the accident

But nothing to do with high speed or sudden lanes changes?