Five Thais died in a road collision yesterday while passing through Laos to board a train to China.
The incident occurred in Boten of Luang Namtha province, Laos, said Pol Lt Col Kanyawarat Jullasat, deputy chief of the Chiang Khong border immigration office.
Just past midnight, a tour group of 20 people travelling in two passenger vans collided with an 18-wheeler truck on the R3A Road connecting Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai to Boten. The accident occurred some 100 kilometres away from the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, she said.
The group had planned to board a train in Laos to continue their journey to Kunming in China.
The collision happened when the truck slammed into one of the vans while making a wide turn. It claimed the lives of five Thai passengers and a Laotian driver. Three other members of the tour group sustained injuries.
The five Thai casualties were Nui Meechai, 68; Yupa Meechai, 66; Kanchana Ngernyen,68; Khamsai Chompubai, 59; and Boonnam Artpakdee, 68. All were natives of Wiang Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai.
Rescue workers took the injured to Chiang Khong Crown Prince Hospital.