Asleep-at-the-wheel driver escapes serious injury in Phuket

PHUKET: A man crashed into a tree after having allegedly fallen asleep at the wheel on a dangerous southbound curve on Thepkrasattri Road yesterday evening.

Pichayakarn Masuk, 22, was taken by rescue workers to Thalang Hospital for minor cuts and bruises.

“We believe Mr Pichayakarn fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of his car, causing him to hit the curb at high speed. His car then spun around before it slammed into a tree,” Lt Col Watcharin Chiratkarnvivat of Tah Chat Chai Police told Phuket Gazette.

Mr Pachayakarn was not tested for blood alcohol concentration or drug use, due to his ability to communicate coherently and a lack of evidence suggesting that drugs were involved, said Col Watcharin.

“He was very lucky that there were no cars around at the time. He could have killed himself or someone else.”

Mr Pichayakarn will not face any charges, as he did not damage any property or harm anyone, Col Watcharin noted.

— Thawit Bilabdullar