A German family was seriously injured after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing a zebra crossing in the Bang Niang area of Phang Nga Province, Thailand, on the afternoon of April 15, 2025. The incident, which occurred on Phetkasem Road in the Khukkak Subdistrict of Takua Pa District, has prompted swift action from local authorities to reassess pedestrian safety in the popular tourist destination.
The collision occurred around 3:00 p.m. when a bronze Toyota pickup truck, reportedly driven by a 60-year-old Thai man identified as Mr. Choei, hit the tourists as they were using the designated crosswalk. The vehicle showed significant front-end damage, including a shattered windshield and a broken right-side mirror. All three victims—Mr. Phillip-David Lothar (34), Mrs. Linda Raub (32), and their child Fiete Raub (1 year and 11 months)—are German nationals. They were initially treated at the Khao Lak Medical Center before being transferred to Bangkok Phuket Hospital for further care. The child was reported to be safe, while the adults sustained serious injuries.
Police at Khao Lak Station confirmed that the driver was sober at the time of the incident, with a recorded blood alcohol content of zero. Investigators are proceeding with legal charges, including reckless driving causing injury. Coordination with the German embassy is underway to support the victims and their family.
In response to the incident, Phang Nga authorities have initiated urgent reviews of pedestrian infrastructure in the area. Officials have identified issues with the visibility and functioning of traffic signals near tourist zones, particularly on the recently expanded four-lane section of Phetkasem Road. Plans include upgrading zebra crossings with more visible warning lights, clearer signage, and installing flashing red lights that can be activated when pedestrians are present.
The local government, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Highways Office, is also exploring short- and long-term strategies for road safety. These include driver education programs for taxi and public transport operators, improved lighting in poorly lit areas, and possibly assigning local staff to assist tourists in navigating crossings at high-risk points.
Takua Pa District Chief Phichyapat Ruangchatri confirmed that multiple agencies—including police, public health officers, and disaster prevention officials—have visited the site to evaluate improvements. Stakeholders such as the Tourism Business Association of Phang Nga Province and local community leaders have also voiced concern about the rising frequency of traffic incidents in the area. Officials acknowledged that although the expanded roadways were designed to improve travel, they have inadvertently increased the risk to pedestrians.
According to local reports, the area previously saw fewer traffic incidents, but the expansion of the road has corresponded with a spike in collisions involving tourists. Community leaders have called for greater enforcement of speed limits and for infrastructure adjustments to ensure the safety of both residents and international visitors.
