In the early morning hours of yesterday, July 16th, a dramatic and rather unexpected twist of fate unfolded on the streets of Pattaya, leaving quite the mark on its infamous reputation. At precisely 5:06 AM, a bustling intersection on the Sattahip route in Na Kluea, known all too well for its perilous nature, provided the stage for an extraordinary vehicular drama. This accidental act, starring two pickup trucks and involving a rather unconventional U-turn, left three individuals injured, each requiring immediate medical attention.
The stage was set for chaos when a white Toyota Revo pickup, outfitted as a refrigerated milk delivery van, met its unwelcome collision with an obstacle—a mighty green Toyota Mighty-X, complete with towering iron railings. The first act was swiftly followed by the match point, as the Revo careened onto the pavement, its formidable front crumpling like a poorly concocted souffle. Behind the wheel was 31-year-old Amnuay Phawandi, who came out of the ordeal with minor injuries, accompanied by his wife, nursing head wounds and a collection of bruises as her prize.
On the opposing team, the Mighty-X, commandeered by a certain 35-year-old Damrong, tumbled across the right-hand lane, taking up residence near the central reservation. As the haze of alcohol-laden confusion enveloped him, Damrong demonstrated his flamboyant dedication to the art of inebriation. Witnesses noted his impressive display of vocal prowess, all aimed at no one in particular as he lingered between the sober and not-so-sober realms.
Amnuay, undeterred by the gravity of the situation, recounted his tale of imminent doom to the authorities. “I was just driving straight, minding my business, when this green monster made a wild U-turn right in front of me,” he explained, somewhat bewildered by the unexpected plot twist. “My truck couldn’t stop in time with all that milk weight!” With a swift call to authority, Amnuay drew attention to Damrong’s alarming BAC, the driving force behind this chaotic spectacle.
Their fates intertwined at the hospital, where all three passengers received the care they so desperately needed. Meanwhile, the local investigators, led by the Pattaya police, have embarked on a quest to unravel Damrong’s night of intoxication. Blood tests are promised, alongside a careful review of CCTV footage, leaving no stone unturned in an attempt to uncover the full extent of this vehicular ballet.
This crash is not an isolated act in the Pattaya play of chaos. Just days prior, on July 10th, another tragic show unfolded at 5:06 PM on Highway 331. A distracted pedestrian, deeply engrossed in the digital world on his phone, unknowingly chose to challenge a speeding truck. This 41-year-old truck driver, Apirat Rattanapha, showed commendable restraint, pulling over and awaiting the law’s arrival alongside the injured pedestrian.
As the Pattaya script plays out with alarming regularity, the local authorities echo their perennial plea for attention. Both drivers and pedestrians are urged to remain vigilant, as the streets of Pattaya exhibit a disturbing flair for unpredictable twists and turns. The message is clear: expect the unexpected, and remain ever alert in this city of surprise.
This is why Pattaya gets such a bad rap—chaotic drivers and folks who should really not be behind the wheel after drinking.
Totally agree, Emily. People should be more responsible. It’s a miracle more weren’t injured.
It’s terrifying to think that it could’ve been so much worse. Authorities really need to tighten control.
Pattaya doesn’t deserve its bad name if our authorities do their jobs and enforce stricter penalties.
I’ve driven there; it’s madness! But tourists can be careless too, thinking they’re invincible.
A lot of people underestimate the dangers on foreign roads. It’s not limited to just locals.
It’s true, Nina. Every driver has a responsibility to be cautious, no matter where they’re from.
I think everyone involved in this incident had a major lapse in judgment. Drunk driving should come with more severe consequences.
Agreed, Samson. Maybe community service or longer suspensions could deter potential offenders.
How can we be sure that Amnuay didn’t miss the signals himself? Blame shouldn’t fall on one person without clear evidence.
Crazy! I say make public transportation more appealing, so people leave the cars at home.
Improving public transit is the key. That and conditioning people to use it without stigma.
Pattaya’s reckless driving circles back to poor road designs! An intersection like that shouldn’t allow random U-turns!
Right, Joe. Road planning should match the city’s traffic realities, not its ideals.
Honestly, some of these events seem preventable. Maybe there needs to be better education on road safety for all.
I think the issue isn’t just with Pattaya. It’s how we perceive and handle these incidents everywhere.
Violating road safety norms is sadly universal. We see such ignorance on roads globally, not just Thailand.
Exactly, Dylan! We all need a reality check before setting out on the road.
Does anyone ever think about those in the medical teams attending to these accidents? They’re the real heroes.
Blood tests and camera footage are good steps forward. Accountability is necessary in all cases.
Absolutely, but sometimes justice seems too slow or brushes such incidents aside.
So relieved all three will recover. But repeat offenders need serious consequences. Enough coddling.
They should be liable for any harm or damages caused by their actions. Plain and simple.
Exactly, Mikey. If laws are enforced, people might think twice.
No amount of policing can address cultural habits. It starts at home, with teaching respect for common rules.
Such accidents remind us how fleeting life can be. Double-check before you drive and stay aware.
Street drama is interesting, but let’s focus on plans for the future to avoid it altogether.
Pattaya being Pattaya. You’d think folks would learn after all these crashes but seems like they don’t.