Foreign cyclist severely injured after being hit by Phuket Airport taxi

A foreign cyclist sustained a severe injury after being hit by an airport taxi while cycling along a road in Phuket.

The Phuket Times shared pictures of the injured foreign cyclist and his damaged bicycle on August 18, with a caption describing the incident.

“#PhuketRoad This incident occurred yesterday (August 18). Please avoid driving in the lanes designated for smaller vehicles. This foreign cyclist was struck by a car with a green registration plate (an airport taxi). The bicycle was damaged, and the foreign man was seriously injured. #WishYouSafe #BeCareful.”

In the photos, the injured foreigner is seen being transferred to a hospital with the assistance of a rescue team and medical workers. There was no update on his condition but other cyclists at the scene were reportedly unharmed.

The grey taxi, with a damaged wheel, was parked at the scene but the driver was not present. The car was identified as an airport taxi due to its green registration plate.

Many Thai netizens expressed their concerns over the foreigner’s condition and wished him a swift recovery. Others shared their negative experiences as cyclists in Phuket and recounted the poor behaviour of other airport taxi drivers they had encountered.

“Accidents have happened at this spot many times before. I guess those drivers expect us to cycle in the woods.”

“The most dangerous route in Phuket is from the Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Monument to Phuket International Airport. Taxis and minibuses from the airport are frequently found on this route near Ban Khian Health Promotion Centre.”

“Taxis with green registration plates are always speeding. This bicycle isn’t cheap, though. Don’t underestimate cyclists. The taxi driver will learn when he has to compensate the victim.”

“Every motorist in Phuket drives very dangerously.”

“Another car accident involving a green registration plate.”

“I don’t want to support those types of taxis. I still remember when Covid-19 hit and those taxi drivers had no work. They said they would never stay in the province again.”

In a related report, another foreign cyclist was hit by a coach bus on a road in Pattaya in May. The coach bus driver did not stop to check on the victim. Fortunately, the foreigner suffered only minor injuries.