Capt Chalermsak Aksornpein of the Thai Muang Police was notified of an accident at 1pm today where it was reported that a bus bound for Phuket had crashed and landed in a ditch on Phetkasem Rd in Baan Thasaw, Phang Nga about 100 metres before Thai Mueang Hospital.
Upon arrival at the scene rescue workers and police found a wreckage blue and white Surat Thani-Phuket bus lying on its side in a ditch.
The bus driver, Mr Pramuan Mandee, 39, from Nakorn Srit Tammarat and a large numbers of passengers, who had only suffered minor injuries, were standing at the roadside. Police were told three people were still trapped inside the wreckage.
A total of 26 people – including the three originally trapped – were taken to Thai Muang Hospital where one passenger was later reported to have died. The deceased was later named as Notachai Boontharit, a Navy officer from Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command based in Phang Nga.
Mr Pramuan told police that he picked up 35 passengers and was heading to Phuket when he lost control of the bus due to poor weather conditions.
The bus landed sideways in a ditch with its rear-end crashed into a tree.
“We are questioning all the passengers, but at this time no charges have yet been filed,” said Capt Chalermsak.