PATTAYA, Thailand — A late-night road rage incident in North Pattaya left a 59-year-old bus driver hospitalized with severe head injuries. The driver, Surasak Krommangkorn, reported a brutal assault by the operator of a van that pursued him through the streets shortly after 10 p.m. on January 18.
Following a passenger drop-off at Thepprasit bus terminal, Surasak was returning to his depot when a van began aggressively tailgating him. The van driver, described as a man in his early to mid-thirties, honked incessantly and pressured Surasak to stop. Upon pulling over to comply, Surasak was confronted by the van driver, who accused him of cutting him off before launching an attack.
Surasak sustained a split scalp and multiple facial injuries, requiring a total of eight stitches. “I tried to defend myself, but I was overpowered,” he explained. The attacker fled the scene shortly after the assault, leaving Surasak to seek medical help.
Police officials have documented the incident and are currently examining nearby surveillance footage to identify the assailant. Captain Kriangkrai Kaewpipop of the Pattaya Police has been assigned to oversee the investigation and pursue legal action against the perpetrator.
This violent episode has reignited concerns regarding road rage incidents in Pattaya, particularly in narrow streets densely populated with vehicles. Residents and drivers express growing unease about escalating aggression on the roads, especially during late-night hours when commercial operations are in full swing.
With the local community calling for increased awareness and preventive measures, authorities are urged to take a closer look at these troubling occurrences. The city’s police department has stated it remains committed to resolving such issues and ensuring a safer environment for all drivers and pedestrians in Pattaya.