On the evening of January 1, a tour bus traveling from Betong, Yala, to Bangkok veered off Road 41 near the Pa We intersection in Chaiya District, Surat Thani, and collided with a tree. The accident left eight people dead and injured at least 29 others, including passengers who were trapped inside the vehicle. Rescue teams from various local organizations, including Chaiya Rescue and Thachang Rescue, worked to extract victims and transport them to nearby hospitals in Chaiya and Thachang districts.
Initial reports indicated four fatalities, but the death toll later rose to eight, with fears that it could increase further. The bus, believed to be a rental for a group from Samut Sakhon, was returning from a trip to Yala when the accident occurred.
Surat Thani Governor Teerut Supawiboonphon has ordered an urgent response, with all relevant agencies assisting the injured and investigating the cause of the crash. Local authorities and emergency services continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
The Provincial Public Relations Office of Surat Thani expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.