German Couple Seriously Injured at Phang Nga Zebra Crossing, Baby Unharmed
PHANG NGA, Thailand – April 15, 2025 — A German couple was seriously injured after being struck by a speeding pickup truck while crossing a zebra crossing with their young child near Bang Niang Beach in Phang Nga’s Takua Pa district.
The victims were identified as:
- Phillip David Lothar, 34
- Linda Raub, 32
- Their one-year-and-eleven-month-old son, Fiete Raub, who miraculously escaped serious injury
The accident occurred at 5:03 PM on Tuesday, according to Lertsak Ponklin, president of the Phang Nga Tourism Business Association. The parents were admitted to the ICU at Khao Lak Hospital and later transferred to Phuket Hospital. Their baby remained conscious and safe following the incident.
Driver Arrested
The driver, Choei, 60, who remained at the scene, was arrested for reckless driving causing injury. The pickup truck had been modified as a passenger vehicle and failed to stop, despite another car already halting to let the family cross.
Dashcam Footage Sparks Public Outrage
Footage posted by Lertsak shows the horrifying moment: a car stops at the zebra crossing, but the pickup barrels through, hurling the parents into the air while the baby cart narrowly misses being hit. The video, widely shared online, has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws in Thailand.
“Please slow and stop when you see people crossing the road. No one deserves to die,” wrote Lertsak in his post.
He emphasized that accidents at this specific crossing are frequent, often due to drivers failing to slow down. Questions remain as to whether the pedestrian warning lights were operational at the time.
Ongoing Investigation
Pol Lt Pratcha Ma-aekian of Khao Lak Police confirmed the crossing is located on Phetkasem Road, a key highway linking Thai Mueang and Takua Pa districts. Police continue their investigation while the local tourism community calls for urgent safety upgrades at the location.
