Law
Police Rescue Toddler Locked in Vehicle at Rayong Gas Station
Authorities in Ban Chang, Rayong, successfully rescued a young child trapped inside a running six-wheel vehicle after an automatic door lock malfunctioned.
On the morning of August 21, 2026, police officers from the Ban Chang Police Station in Rayong province responded to an emergency call at a gas station along Sukhumvit Road. According to a report from Khaosod Online, a toddler had become trapped inside a six-wheel passenger vehicle while the engine was running.
The incident occurred when the child's guardian stepped out of the vehicle to attend to a task while refueling. The vehicle's doors locked automatically, leaving the child alone inside. Upon receiving the report, traffic police and technical officers were dispatched to the scene. It took the responders approximately 20 minutes to gain access to the vehicle and safely retrieve the child.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even for brief moments. Modern vehicle security systems, such as automatic locks, can create dangerous situations if keys or occupants are left inside while the engine is running. While the child was rescued without injury, the Ban Chang Police Chief has publicly urged parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution. It remains to be confirmed if any further safety protocols or investigations will be initiated regarding the vehicle's locking mechanism.