The karate coach behind Thailand's four gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games died in a rear-end collision with a sugarcane truck in the right lane; the accident scene was worsened by broken street lighting and obscured taillights.
On 17 Dec 2025, the Thai sports community received sad news: Kanokporn Donsamran, 38, a member of Thailand's national karate coaching staff from Loei Province, died in a car accident when his vehicle collided with the rear of a sugarcane truck in Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, at 00:16 hrs while returning home after completing his duties at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok.
The Karate Association of Thailand posted condolences on their social media, stating: “The Karate Association of Thailand mourns and expresses deepest sympathy to the family of Ms. Kanokporn Donsamran, wife of the association's secretary-general, with love and profound sorrow.”
Meanwhile, Taweesuk Chiewchanpreechakul, secretary-general of the Karate Association of Thailand and a fellow passenger in the vehicle, is receiving treatment at Loei Hospital in Mueang Loei District, Loei Province.
Kanokporn was a key figure behind the success of Thailand's national karate team at the SEA Games, which earned 4 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals. His loss is a significant blow to the karate community and the broader Thai sports sector.
According to Loei Time Online, a representative of the Loei Provincial Public Health Doctor reported that the accident was caused by the sugarcane truck’s taillights being obscured by sugarcane stalks while driving in the right lane, combined with the opposing vehicle’s high speed and malfunctioning streetlights at the accident site.
A representative from the Office of Insurance Commission, Loei Province, stated that upon inspection, the sugarcane truck’s tractor unit had no compulsory motor insurance or valid vehicle tax since 2020, and the trailer unit had unpaid taxes since 2023. This situation is common among sugarcane trucks operating in Loei.
Photo credit: Loei Time Online