Two intoxicated women were speeding in a car returning from New Year's Eve celebrations when they rear-ended a Vespa motorcycle, causing both vehicles to fall into a fish pond. This resulted in the tragic death of a first-year student at a well-known university. The driver's blood alcohol concentration was measured at 210 mg%.
At 05:00 on 1 January 2026, Police Lieutenant Napon Thongrat, deputy investigator at Bang Khen Police Station, received a report of a car rear-ending a motorcycle, with both vehicles losing control and falling into a fish pond, resulting in a fatality. The incident occurred near Bang Bua Temple on Plasin Road (along Bang Bua Canal), Anusawari subdistrict, Bang Khen district, Bangkok. Authorities, including forensic officers, medical examiners from Bhumibol Hospital, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, promptly arrived at the scene to investigate.
The accident site was a two-lane curved section of road near Bang Bua Temple beside a fish pond. A black Toyota Vios car with license plate Khok 8054 Chiang Rai was found with a heavily damaged front. Nearby in the water was a gray Vespa motorcycle with license plate 3 Kha La 3892 Bangkok, its rear severely damaged. The body of Mr. Patitep Nakbanpotkul, aged 19, a first-year student at Sripatum University, wearing a black jacket and blue denim shorts, was found submerged and deceased in the pond.
Additionally, two women, Ms. Malee Kokuea, 28, the car driver, and Ms. Sukonta Bunruang, 30, her passenger, were found soaked and smelling strongly of alcohol. They escaped from the vehicle before it sank and sustained minor injuries. Authorities transported them to Paolo Kaset Hospital for treatment.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the black Toyota Vios speeding. Upon reaching the curve, the car suddenly crashed forcefully into the rear of the motorcycle, causing both vehicles to fly into and submerge in the fish pond.
Ms. Malee, the driver, stated that before the accident, she had been celebrating the New Year countdown at an entertainment venue in the Wang Hin area. After leaving, she was driving back to her residence in the Ram Inthra area. Unfamiliar with the route, she used Google Maps, which directed her along Plasin Road (along Bang Bua Canal). Driving at normal speed, she suddenly felt the car collide with something forcefully at the curve, causing it to plunge into the pond. She and her female companion quickly smashed the car windows to escape. "I was unfamiliar with the road and did not see the motorcycle," she said.
Authorities measured Ms. Malee's blood alcohol level at 210 mg%. She has been charged with reckless driving causing death and driving under the influence beyond legal limits. The deceased's body was sent for autopsy at Bhumibol Hospital, and relatives were contacted to arrange for the body’s release and further proceedings.