A pine tree at Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province fell on a tourist's car, killing one person and injuring another. Approximately 100 meters of power lines were severed. Authorities are investigating the cause and taking legal action.
At 08:40 on 10 Nov 2016, Police Lieutenant Jakkrit Kaewthong, deputy investigator of Sikao Police Station, Trang Province, received a report from Mr. Natthasit Na Dam, village headman of Village 4, Mai Fat Subdistrict, that a pine tree had fallen onto a tourist's car while traveling on the road near Pak Meng Beach, in front of a grocery store in Village 4, Mai Fat Subdistrict, Sikao District, Trang Province. There were casualties. Upon receiving the report, police, local officials, and personnel from Chao Mai National Park were dispatched to the scene.
At the scene, a yellow MG car with Songkhla license plates was found crushed by the fallen pine tree, with the driver's side roof caved in. Inside, the driver was found dead and later identified as Mr. Thongthai Huathae, 29, from Lang Su District, Satun Province. The female passenger, Miss Nittaya Amati, 31, also from Lang Su District, Satun Province, was injured and urgently taken to Sikao Hospital. Approximately 100 meters of power lines were found broken, and the nearby grocery store sustained damage.
After the incident, Mr. Manit Tha Chien, Sikao District Chief, coordinated with the head of Chao Mai National Park to investigate the cause and facts regarding the pine tree's condition and the reason for its fall. They also reviewed safety measures in the area and conducted urgent surveys of other trees at risk of falling, especially near roads, parking lots, and tourist service areas, to prevent similar incidents.
Additionally, the incident caused damage to government property due to the fallen tree. Police officers documented the scene with photographs and gathered evidence. They also coordinated with relevant agencies to clear the road to facilitate traffic flow and will proceed with legal steps accordingly.
