Thai woman dies after car plunges into river during driving practice

A Thai woman lost her life after her car careened into a river while she was practising her driving skills in the southern province of Trang.

Officers from Nong Trut Police Station, along with rescuers and volunteer divers, rushed to a road along the Trang River in the Nong Trut sub-district, Mueang district, Trang province, after receiving a report that a white hatchback, a Honda Brio, fell into the river.

A woman who witnessed the incident told Channel 7 that she saw something white plunge into the river and rushed to investigate. She saw the sedan gradually sinking into the water and immediately called the community leader, who later informed the police.

The witness stated that she did not hear any crashing sounds or calls for help. The vehicle became fully submerged in the water three to four minutes after entering the river.

Volunteer divers searched for the car and driver but strong currents hindered their efforts. As a result, the rescue team coordinated with relevant officials to close a nearby floodgate and continued the operation for over an hour before locating the car.

The vehicle was found at the bottom of the river, approximately 5 metres deep and 10 metres away from the riverbank. The deceased, later identified as 54 year old Puangrat, was found dead in the driver’s seat.

The vehicle’s gear was in D, and the windows of both the driver’s seat and the front passenger seat were open. Rescuers speculated that Puangrat may have attempted to escape the vehicle.

Police suspect that Puangrat came to the canal road to practise driving because it was quiet and not crowded, ideal for practising. They believe she may have accidentally engaged the wrong gear, causing the car to accelerate into the water.

Locals supported this theory, stating they saw the car pass their homes every day in the days leading up to the incident.

Police are confident that the case is not a murder but both accident and suicide are being considered. An autopsy, further investigation, and a review of security camera footage will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident and her death.

Puangrat was found to live alone in her home in the province. Her husband and one child live in another district, while another child resides in Bangkok.