A driver was killed and 29 other Thai and foreign passengers were injured when a tour bus crashed on a slippery road following heavy rain in Thailand.

The coach carrying 34 people was heading to Bangkok from Chiang Mai when it skidded off Phahonyothin Road and smashed into a tree in Lampang province on May 7 evening.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sathien Pantariyasathien of the Thoen Police Station said officers were notified of the crash at 11:30 pm.

He said: 'According to the initial investigation, the bus belonged to a private company and was carrying 34 people from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. 

'It lost control while turning at a curve, and slammed into a large tree, causing it to When it arrived at the scene, which was a curve, the bus lost control and crashed into a large tree. 

'We believe the cause of the accident was because the road was wet with rain. There was a downpour three hours before the crash.'

The driver, Chaturapat Pramaso, 31, was killed at the scene. His body was later retrieved from the wreckage.

Twenty-nine other passengers were wounded, including two who were severely injured. They were taken to the Thoen Hospital and Lampang Center Hospitals.

Police said the exact cause of the crash was being investigated.


The incident came as the Thai Meteorological Department issued warnings about the summer storm.

The agency said southerly and southeasterly winds were prevailing across the north, northeast, east, and central regions of Thailand, causing possible thunderstorms and hail on May 6 and 7.

Locals were advised to avoid outdoor activities during the inclement weather.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are at the start of their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are also at the start of their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.

Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in Asia, Thailand suffers from chronic underinvestment in its highways and education, contributing to its poor road safety levels. Only a handful of African countries are worse.

Thailand has one of the world's worst road safety records. Ministers have set the goal of reducing fatalities from 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people to 12 per 100,000 people by the year 2027.