Phuket van criticised after following ambulance through red light

A van in Phuket was filmed following an ambulance through a red light at an intersection in Koh Kaew, prompting calls on authorities to investigate whether traffic laws had been broken.

The incident occurred on 3 August 2026 as an ambulance operated by the Sakhu Tambon Administrative Organisation was transporting a patient along Thepkrasattri Road towards Vachira Phuket Hospital. The ambulance was using its emergency lights and siren to request right of way.

Footage recorded by the ambulance driver showed the van, with its hazard lights flashing, travelling directly behind the ambulance and passing through the red light. The driver said the van had followed the ambulance for a considerable distance, including after the ambulance slowed to allow it to overtake and stopped at the traffic signal before proceeding under emergency conditions.

The driver shared the video as a warning against following ambulances too closely, saying the practice could create additional hazards during emergency responses. The van later turned right on to the bypass road at Bang Khu Intersection, while the ambulance continued towards the hospital. No collision or injuries were reported.