CHON BURI – A tourist was injured after attempting a backflip on the roof bars of a moving songthaew along Pattaya Beach Road, only to lose his footing and slam face-first onto the road.
The incident, captured on video shared on social media, occurred around 2am on Monday near Pattaya Beach 6/1 in Bangla Mung district. The man had been hanging from the rear roof rail of the beach-route songthaew and attempted a backward somersault while the vehicle was in motion, drawing cheers from companions on board before the stunt went wrong.
The clip drew little sympathy online, with most commenters saying the tourist had only himself to blame.
A motorcycle taxi driver who witnessed the fall said the tourist got back on his feet unaided, sustaining only a swollen gash on his forehead. Three friends then disembarked and rushed to help him gather his belongings before the group walked off along the beachfront without seeking medical attention. The witness said the tourist appeared to be drunk.
A local songthaew driver, who viewed the clip, warned that such behaviour posed serious risks, not only to passengers but to drivers, who could face legal liability for incidents occurring on their vehicles.
