A tragic accident in Thailand's Prachinburi province has claimed the lives of 18 people after a tour bus crashed into a ditch.

Police report that the bus lost control due to brake failure on a downhill road, leading to the fatal incident.  

The bus, carrying adults on a study trip, overturned and came to a rest in a ditch, approximately 155 kilometers east of Bangkok. Rescue and medical teams responded to the scene, as shown in social media footage, where they worked to assist the victims.  

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed her condolences and announced an investigation into the crash, with a focus on vehicle safety regulations. "If it is found that there is a violation of the use of vehicles that do not meet the standards or are involved in reckless use of vehicles, legal action will be taken," she stated. She also emphasized the need for rigorous vehicle inspections to prevent future accidents.  

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Thailand. The country has a high rate of road accidents and fatalities, often attributed to inadequate enforcement of safety standards and poor road maintenance. This latest tragedy follows previous incidents, including a school bus fire last year that killed 23 people. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving road safety measures. (ILKHA)