Foreign driver rams car in Pattaya, injures several — driver refuses breathalyzer

On the evening of July 4, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an SUV rear-ended and then crashed into vehicles stopped at a traffic light at an intersection in southern Pattaya. The crash damaged several vehicles and left a number of people with minor injuries. Pattaya traffic police and local rescue teams arrived at the scene immediately to investigate.

Witnesses said the SUV, driven by a foreign passenger, struck the stopped cars with great force, causing a loud crash and alarming bystanders. Authorities treated people with scrapes, bruises and minor wounds and sent them to hospital for further examination. Multiple vehicles — including motorcycles and private cars — sustained front- and rear-end damage to varying degrees depending on the impact.

After the incident, police asked the foreign driver to step out of the vehicle for a breathalyzer test as per procedure, but the suspect refused to blow into the device and offered various explanations. Officers had to control the situation and recorded the refusal as evidence. Police are collecting CCTV footage from the area and statements from witnesses to build the case file.

Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer is significant because, under Thai traffic law, officers have the power to request a breath test when intoxication is suspected. If a driver refuses, authorities can take further legal steps, including requesting a blood test under appropriate conditions. Noncooperation may affect charges of reckless driving and claims for damages by victims.

The incident has raised concern among residents and tourists in Pattaya, especially at night when traffic is heavy and many foreigners are present. A hotel operator near the scene said reckless driving by tourists has been a recurring problem and called on authorities to step up preventive measures, such as random checkpoints, multilingual publicity about traffic rules and penalties, clearer traffic signals and warning signs.

The final disposition of the case is pending official investigation by Pattaya police, who will consider whether to press charges for reckless driving causing injury. The refusal to take the breath test will be considered along with technical evidence such as CCTV footage and victims’ statements. If the defendant is foreign, the case may involve coordination with the embassy or migrant protection agencies to facilitate legal procedures. Local residents are urging stronger preventive measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect both locals and visitors.