Brake-ing news: Officials rebuild trust after German tourist crash
Phang Nga officials are scrambling to restore tourist confidence after a horrific road crash left two German holidaymakers critically injured and their toddler hospitalised.
The brutal smash happened around 5pm on Tuesday, April 15, in the Khao Lak area, when a speeding pickup truck slammed into a young family crossing Phetkasem Road at a zebra crossing near the local post office.
The victims, 34 year old Phillip David Lothar, and 32 year old Linda Raub, were pushing their 23 month old son, Fiete, across the road when they were hit.
The couple suffered severe injuries and were rushed to ICU at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, while their little boy miraculously escaped with only minor injuries.
The pickup driver, a 60 year old man identified only as Choei, stayed at the scene and was later arrested and charged with reckless driving causing injury.
The shocking incident prompted an emergency meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Phang Nga Governor Pairot Petchyuan, who ordered immediate action to avoid further damage to the province’s image.
“This incident has impacted the image of Phang Nga’s tourism, and we must act urgently and visibly to restore confidence.”
Attendees included top brass from the police, disaster response, transport office, and local government, all summoned to map out a rapid response to what’s become an international embarrassment.
Key measures ordered include:
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Repainting zebra crossings in high-risk areas with bold red-and-white markings
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Installing speed bumps and clearer speed limit signs
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Fixing faulty traffic lights near pedestrian crossings
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Strict enforcement of traffic laws, particularly targeting speeding locals, taxi drivers and public transport vehicles
Governor Pairot also directed the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to visit the injured tourists and offer support. A provincial delegation delivered a gift basket to the hospital, though the family were too unwell for visitors.
Meanwhile, Khao Lak police have stepped up speed checks along Phetkasem Road and have already nabbed seven speeding motorists in a single afternoon blitz, Phuket news reported.
The province’s tourism office has also deployed TAC Centre medics to ensure swift emergency responses, and volunteers will be stationed at busy tourist crossings to protect pedestrians.
“We will pursue legal action decisively to demonstrate our commitment to tourist safety,” the governor added.
With Thailand’s tourism reputation once again under the spotlight, Phang Nga officials are keen to show they mean business and ensure no family ever faces a tragedy like this again.
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