Intoxicated Tourist Critically Injured After Being Run Over by Taxi in Pattaya

Pattaya, June 20, 2025 — A 54-year-old Swedish tourist was critically injured in Pattaya after being run over by a taxi while lying intoxicated on the road. The incident occurred early Friday morning, raising concerns about public safety in nightlife areas.

Incident Overview

• A 54-year-old Swedish tourist was critically injured in Pattaya after being run over by a taxi while lying intoxicated on the ground.
• The accident took place early Friday morning, around 3:12 AM, in front of a nightclub on Soi 3.
• Despite attempts by his girlfriend and nightclub staff to wake him, the man remained unresponsive.

Details of the Accident

• At approximately 3:20 AM, a taxi driver, identified as Ponglaw, drove over the man while navigating a curve and searching for a parking spot.
• The driver stated that he did not see the man lying on the road due to the angle of the turn.

Injuries and Medical Response

• The tourist, named Paul, sustained severe head injuries and was promptly transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
• Authorities are currently gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to surveillance footage from the vicinity, the incident took place at approximately 3:12 AM in front of a nightclub on Soi 3. The intoxicated man was found sleeping on the road, completely oblivious to the dangers around him. Despite attempts by his girlfriend and nightclub staff to wake him and move him to safety, he remained unresponsive and continued to sleep.

Around 3:20 AM, a taxi driven by a local man named Ponglaw approached the area. As he navigated a curve in the road, he did not see the man lying on the ground and inadvertently drove over him. The driver later explained to the police that he was focused on finding a parking spot and did not notice the tourist until it was too late.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and the injured tourist was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for severe head injuries. Authorities have confirmed that he is in critical condition.

The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. They aim to establish whether any legal action will be taken against the taxi driver.

This unfortunate incident highlights the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption in nightlife areas and raises questions about public safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals.