Pattaya Traffic Police Charge Songthaew Driver for Allowing Tourist to Dangle from Moving Vehicle; Tourist Injured After Doing Parkour Flip on Road

On May 7, 2025, Pol. Lt. Amornthep Nimmamhai from Pattaya City Traffic Division, along with Pattaya City Police investigation unit, launched a pursuit of the songthaew driver following the circulation of a social media video showing foreign tourists performing parkour-style stunts and jumping on the moving vehicle, resulting in one passenger falling and being injured. The incident took place on Pattaya Beach Road near the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

The investigation revealed that the incident occurred around 2:00 AM on May 5, 2025, when Somsak, a 43-year-old songthaew driver, picked up approximately five foreign tourists from Soi 6 on Pattaya Beach Road heading toward Walking Street. As the vehicle approached the Hard Rock Hotel, the driver heard a sound resembling someone falling from the car and immediately stopped to check. He found a foreign man lying in the middle of the road. When asked by the man's companions what had happened, they replied nothing was wrong and requested the driver continue to drop off two more passengers at the Walking Street entrance. The remaining companions assisted the injured man, and the group dispersed.

The driver later learned from online video clips that the injured tourist had jumped and performed parkour stunts while aboard the moving vehicle, losing control and falling out on his own.

Police have cautioned the driver to strengthen safety measures and closely monitor passenger behavior. Charges have been filed against the driver under the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522, Article 107, for allowing passengers to cling to the exterior of the vehicle. The foreign tourists involved remain under investigation with authorities pursuing further questioning.