Surat Thani, January 1st, 2025 – A devastating incident unfolded in Chai Ya on New Year’s Day when a tour bus driver lost control and crashed into a tree on the main No. 41 Road near the Pa Way Intersection, resulting in at least five fatalities.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Surat Thani Office, the accident occurred on the night of January 1st. The bus, which was en route from Yala in southern Thailand back to Bangkok via Samut Sakorn, veered off its path, leading to the tragic collision.
Emergency services were quick to respond, but the severity of the crash meant that five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. An additional 30 individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The exact cause of the bus losing control is still under investigation. This tragic event has cast a shadow over New Year celebrations, bringing into focus the critical need for road safety, particularly during high-travel holiday periods.
More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as new information is available.
