A coach bus driver crashed into a tree along the Asian Highway 41 in the southern province of Surat Thani, resulting in the deaths of five passengers and injuries to 33 others. Three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

The accident occurred in Chaiya district at approximately 7.30pm yesterday, January 1. The severely damaged green coach bus reportedly struck a roadside tree and overturned onto the central reservation.

According to MGR Online, the bus was carrying 36 passengers travelling from Samut Sakhon province to Yala. Most of the passengers were elderly, and the accident happened during their journey home.

The bus driver, 47 year old Suthep Boonchum, and an assistant sustained only minor injuries. Many passengers were trapped inside the vehicle. Five of them died at the scene, three suffered critical injuries, and 28 sustained minor injuries.