CHIANG RAI — Two Chinese tourists were seriously injured after their van crashed into the back of pick-up truck in the northern city of Chiang Rai this morning.
Police say the accident took place on road running between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai at around 9am. The two Chinese tourists and the van’s driver were severely wounded in the crash and sent to the hospital, police told reporters.
The pick-up truck driver was also injured, while the other 12 passengers in the van were reportedly slightly injured by the collision.
Pol.Lt.Col. Uthit Wongwai, an officer at Mae Chedi Police Station, said the van was carrying tourists from Chiang Mai to the neighboring province of Chiang Rai.
The van driver, Chuchart Muenpanya, 60, reportedly told police the pick-up truck in front of him suddenly slowed down to change lanes, and he was unable to swerve in time to avoid the collision.
Pol.Lt.Col. Uthit said the incident is still under police investigation.
Vans and buses, especially those that run on interprovincial routes, are known for frequent accidents in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the world.
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