In a shocking incident in Pattaya, Thailand, an Australian father and his young son were among five tourists hospitalised after a car reversed into them outside a massage store. The accident occurred around 7:50 PM on Wednesday, leaving the victims with injuries but fortunately no fatalities.
Details of the Pattaya Pedestrian Crash
The victims included a 56-year-old Australian man, his two-year-old son, a 45-year-old American man, and two Indian men. They were walking past a massage parlour when a white BMW 520d suddenly reversed, striking the group. Disturbing CCTV footage captured the moment, showing the driver half-out of the vehicle as it quickly moved backwards.
Driver's Account and Police Investigation
Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthiraphan Tapsri stated that the driver, 57-year-old Phannee Tan-ngam, had lost control of the car shortly after being involved in a separate motorbike collision. Tan-ngam claimed she was retrieving her driver's licence to settle an insurance claim when the vehicle reversed, noting the handbrake was engaged but she was unsure if the automatic gear was left in reverse.
'We inspected the scene and found that CCTV cameras from a massage parlour clearly captured the incident,' said Lieutenant Colonel Tapsri. 'The footage shows the driver getting into the car and, before the door could be closed, the vehicle suddenly moved backwards and struck the tourists, causing the injuries.'
Eyewitness Reactions and Aftermath
A masseuse at the scene recalled hearing the car screeching and seeing it hit the tourists, including the Australian dad pushing his son in a stroller. 'Everyone in the shop screamed because a tourist was pushing a pram past at that moment. The car hit many tourists directly,' she said, adding they were lucky to be on steps rather than the path where the crash occurred.
All five victims were rushed to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment. Tan-ngam expressed remorse, stating, 'I had no intention of causing the accident. I am ready to take responsibility for those I injured.' Police have collected CCTV footage and are questioning witnesses as part of legal proceedings.
