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The death toll could rise, as 27 people on board were also injured.

Except for the fivestrong crew, including the driver, all the victims were from Khon Kaen College of Agriculture and Technology.

They were on a field trip when the bus developed a brake malfunction at about 3am running downhill in Na Di district.

The bus could not slow down for the sharp curve on Na DiKabin Buri Road and the driver decided to slam the bus into a sand dune on the runoff ramp.

However, the bus climbed up the sand bank and flipped over onto another hill.

Police said 18 men and three women had died.

The 23 men and four women found injured were rushed to Nadee Hospital, Kabin Buri Hospital and Wang Nam Khiew Hospital. Later four of the patients were referred to the provincial hospital.

Jakrapob Mongkonsawas, a deputy director of the college, said the educational tour was arranged as part of an environmental course.

"All the students are from a special course for a higher diploma in teaching technology. Most of them are already working," he said.