On May 11, 2025, a series of unfortunate incidents unfolded in Thailand as severe weather and road accidents left multiple individuals injured. The day began with a rescue operation following a freak whirlwind that caused a canvas to fall from a height of five meters, injuring a boatman, and later, a tragic car crash involving a group of voters traveling to exercise their democratic rights.
At approximately 07:00 AM, police received a report of a vehicle accident on Highway 24 in Buriram Province. The vehicle, a gray Toyota van, had veered off the road and crashed into a roadside billboard in front of the OBT Nong Bua School, located in the Nang Rong District. This incident resulted in injuries to ten individuals, including the driver and nine passengers, all of whom were en route from Bangkok to Sisaket Province to participate in the local elections.
According to Pol. Lt. Col. Chalermchai Narettrani, the Deputy S. (Investigation) at Samrong Nua Police Station, the group had departed Bangkok around 9:00 PM the previous night, intending to arrive in Sisaket in the morning to cast their votes. However, their plans took a drastic turn when the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the crash.
Witnesses reported that the passengers were seen crawling out of the van, desperately calling for help. The front of the vehicle was severely damaged, with the windshield shattered. Rescue volunteers, including a team led by Khru Odin Ruedi, quickly responded to the scene to provide assistance. They set up a checkpoint on the highway to help those in need, but the accident occurred just as they were preparing to assist other travelers.
As the investigation into the crash began, authorities conducted blood tests on the driver to check for any substances that could have impaired their ability to drive. Meanwhile, the injured passengers received immediate medical attention, with doctors assessing their conditions to determine if they would be fit to return home in time for the elections.
In a separate incident on the same day, another emergency unfolded in Samut Prakan Province due to adverse weather conditions. At around 19:30 PM on May 10, 2025, a 28-year-old man named Tha, who worked as a boatman, suffered significant injuries after falling from a height of five meters while attempting to secure a canvas on a boat. The incident occurred as a sudden whirlwind swept through the area, causing the canvas to collapse.
Emergency services were alerted through the 1669 hotline, and volunteers from the Samut Prakan Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center quickly mobilized to the scene. The boat was docked at the third pier of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River, waiting to receive goods when the accident happened. Tha was found lying in the cargo hold of the boat, having sustained severe injuries, including a broken jaw, a dislocated right ankle, and a fractured arm.
Rescue workers provided first aid before carefully lifting Tha from the boat using a crane, all while rain continued to pour down. He was then transported to the Bang Hua Suea pier and subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
According to initial investigations, Tha and his wife had noticed dark clouds gathering and were preparing for the impending rain when the whirlwind struck. As he was pulling the canvas to cover the cargo area, the sudden gust of wind caused him to lose his balance and fall into the hold of the boat.
Both incidents highlight the unpredictability of weather conditions and the potential dangers faced by individuals traveling or working outdoors. As authorities continue to investigate the causes of these accidents, the community remains on alert for further weather-related disturbances.
In summary, May 11, 2025, proved to be a challenging day for many in Thailand, with severe weather contributing to serious injuries in both a boating incident and a car crash. The resilience of the local emergency services and the determination of the injured individuals to participate in the elections underscore the spirit of the community in the face of adversity.
