Lampang — Developments in the catastrophic 9-vehicle pile-up involving a trailer truck show that the latest inspection by the Transport Office found the fatal trailer’s brake system still functional, though the left front axle was abnormal, yet the vehicle had passed inspection. Meanwhile, the driver was granted bail of 100,000 baht during the investigation stage, and the deceased’s relatives have proposed 22 million baht compensation, awaiting a mediation appointment.
The case involves a 18-wheel trailer truck carrying sanitary ware from Saraburi en route to Chiang Mai, which violently crashed into nine vehicles slowing down on Phahonyothin Road (uphill) at km 601, Mae Wa Subdistrict, Theun District, Lampang Province, opposite Mae Wa National Park, around 14:45 on 11 April 2026. The accident resulted in 2 deaths (a husband and wife) and 8 injuries, including the couple’s daughter, a 3-year-old girl who miraculously survived but became an orphan.
At 09:00 on 13 April 2026, a reporter learned that Mr. A Boonkum, 40, the driver of the 18-wheel trailer involved, paid 100,000 baht cash bail and was released during police investigation. Sources said the trailer was taken by Theun Police to the Theun Transport Office branch for inspection, which showed the brake system was still functional, but the left axle had minor abnormalities that would normally cause a vehicle to fail inspection.
Yesterday, the deceased’s relatives submitted an initial compensation proposal of 22 million baht, but the opposing party has not accepted the terms, citing the need to consult with the vehicle owner and contracting company first. This has delayed agreement, and the figures may change. Another negotiation meeting is planned after the funeral is held.
Initially, the opposing party gave 100,000 baht for funeral expenses to the deceased’s family to cover memorial services. Another mediation session is scheduled, expected to wait until after the cremation is completed.
Regarding civil and criminal cases, procedures are ongoing according to law. Police at Theun Station will summon all victims, injured parties, drivers, vehicle owners, and related persons for further negotiations on compensation.
Ms. Areerat Prommahawan, a specialist at the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) in Lampang Province, revealed that the vehicle involved had insurance with Viriyah Insurance Company covering both the tractor and trailer with two policies, plus voluntary insurance for both parts, totaling four policies with 500,000 baht compensation each, amounting to 2 million baht. Additionally, there is personal accident insurance for the driver covering 200,000 baht. Altogether, the deceased will receive 2.2 million baht compensation each. For other victims, the OIC has coordinated with various insurers to inspect damages and expedite claims payments.
Reports said that on the afternoon of 12 April 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phumipanya Nawatrakulpisut, Chief of Lampang Provincial Police, visited the 3-year-old girl, the daughter of the deceased couple, at Theun Hospital. He disclosed that police have charged the 18-wheel trailer driver with reckless driving causing injury and death and are following legal procedures, working with related agencies to assist the relatives of the deceased, injured, and other victims.
Initially, the insurance company will pay 2.2 million baht compensation per deceased victim. Whether the driver claims brake failure is his right, but police have taken the trailer involved to Theun Transport Office for inspection and will collect evidence on brake malfunction. Dashcam footage also provides strong evidence.