The Thailand Karate Federation announces the passing of coach Kanokporn Donsumran. Photo courtesy of Facebook
Thailand’s sports community is mourning the death of national karate coach Kanokporn Donsumran, who was killed in a road accident just days after she helped lead the country to multiple medals at the 2025 SEA Games.
Kanokporn, 38, died early morning on Dec. 17 when her car rear-ended a sugarcane truck in Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, after she had completed her duties at the regional games in Bangkok, the Bangkok Post reported.
Investigators said the crash occurred on a poorly lit stretch of road, where the truck’s tail lights were obscured by sugarcane stalks and leaves. The truck was reportedly traveling in the overtaking lane at the time of the collision.
Thaweesuk Chiaochanpreechakul, Secretary-General of the Thailand Karate Federation, who was riding in the same vehicle, was injured and is being treated at Loei Hospital.
Kanokporn played a key role in Thailand’s karate success at this year’s SEA Games, where the team secured four gold medals, five silvers and two bronzes. Thailand tied Vietnam with 11 karate medals overall but finished second after Vietnam claimed six golds.
Following the crash, authorities found that the sugarcane truck’s compulsory motor insurance had not been renewed since 2020, and that road tax for its trailer had expired in 2023, Thairath reported. Officials said similar compliance issues are common among sugarcane trucks operating in the province.