Pickup Sinks in Rayong Reservoir, Driver Dies

A pickup truck plunged into the Dok Kray reservoir in Rayong, which is more than five meters deep. The driver was trapped inside the submerged vehicle and died. Water rescue teams recovered the body within 15 minutes.

At 04:00 on November 6, 2026, Pluak Daeng rescue workers in Rayong received a report that a pickup had lost control on a curve and plunged into the Dok Kray reservoir along the road skirting the reservoir between Soi 7 and Soi 8, Moo 4, Maenam Khu Subdistrict. They rushed to the scene to investigate and provide assistance.

Witnesses said they were fishing by the reservoir with three friends when they heard a vehicle plunge into the water. They ran to help and found the pickup floating in the middle of the reservoir with the male driver inside, waving his hand for help. However, they had no rescue equipment or life jackets, and the current pushed the vehicle about 30 meters from shore, making it impossible to reach in time before the truck slowly sank. They immediately called rescue services.

The Pluak Daeng water rescue team then searched and successfully retrieved the driver's body from the vehicle in about 15 minutes. Documents identified the deceased as Mr. Thanuwat (surname withheld), aged 53.

Rescue official Suthep Bunprasert said the spot where the vehicle sank is about 5.4 meters deep, and the truck had been carried nearly 60 meters from the bank. Both doors were locked from the inside.

After the body was recovered, police investigators conducted a preliminary examination and found no wounds or signs of foul play. The body was sent to Pluak Daeng Hospital for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Jarun Chanmani added that the road is a shortcut often used by anglers traveling to Phanom Nikhom District, but it has no street lighting. He speculated the driver, coming from Maenam Khu, may have been speeding when he reached the dark curve and lost control, causing the fatal plunge.