A highway police officer shared his experience as a hero who rescued five people trapped inside a vehicle after their GPS led them incorrectly into floodwaters beneath a bridge. The water was deeper than anticipated, nearly submerging the van. He revealed they had just traveled back from Hua Hin, heading toward Bangkok.
The incident involved a multi-purpose van submerged at a turnaround point beneath the bridge at kilometer 72 on Rama 2 Road in Khlong Khon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Songkhram Province. At the scene, the canal's water level was high due to the tidal surge, causing the van's passenger compartment to flood. Five people were trapped inside before authorities arrived to provide assistance, safely rescuing them. The rescuer was later identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Saranyapong Onseng, Superintendent of Highway Police Division 1, Subdivision 2.
Regarding the incident, Police Lieutenant Colonel Saranyapong Onseng told reporters that on 3 January 2026 at 11:40 a.m., he received a radio alert from Samut Songkhram highway police volunteers. He promptly proceeded to assist and found a KIA van registered in Bangkok, whose driver had gotten lost and driven into floodwaters at the turnaround beneath the bridge at kilometer 72 on Rama 2 Road in Khlong Khon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Songkhram Province. The canal water level was elevated due to tidal conditions, flooding the van’s passenger area where passengers were trapped. Officers quickly moved to help and successfully rescued the victims along with their valuables and important documents safely from the vehicle.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Saranyapong said the rescue team found five passengers inside the vehicle—four women and one man. They had driven from Hua Hin and intended to turn around to eat near Khlong Khon, but the GPS directed them to turn under the bridge where floodwaters were present. The driver underestimated the water depth and attempted to drive through. Midway, the water was deeper than expected, causing the vehicle to begin floating. The driver quickly opened the door and called for help, narrowly escaping. Relatives were contacted to pick up the victims and return them to Bangkok safely. As the van operates on an electric system, the insurance company must send a tow truck to retrieve it from the water to prevent damage and electrical hazards.
"At that moment, seeing people in distress, I just thought about helping them to safety first. Vehicles can be repaired, but if people get hurt, that cannot be fixed," he said. Police Lieutenant Colonel Saranyapong added.
However, Police Lieutenant Colonel Saranyapong also cautioned drivers not to trust GPS completely. He urged them to analyze and discern whether to follow GPS directions, and to observe official warning signs. He advised using caution when driving, especially when encountering floodwaters. Before attempting to drive through, drivers should assess water depth carefully to avoid risking danger.