Greek Driver Stuck in Second-Hand Pickup on Jomtien Beach Faces Fines After Night Test Drive

Key summary

At approximately 3:36 AM on October 24, 2026, a Greek national aged 58 became stuck in a second-hand Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck on the sandy beach at Dong Tal Curve, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Chonburi. The driver attempted to test the vehicle's performance and its ability to tow a jet ski after purchasing it used, but the two-wheel-drive system lacked sufficient power for the soft sand. As high tide rose, water nearly covered the rear wheels. Local authorities from Pattaya Special Operations received the report at 3:36 AM. A crowd of Thai and foreign tourists gathered at the scene. Private tow trucks were dispatched by Pattaya municipal traffic police to extract the vehicle using lifting equipment, a process that took over 30 minutes. Driving on the beach is a punishable offense in Thailand; officials intend to summon the driver for questioning and legal proceedings regarding the fine.