British expat killed in head-on collision

KARON, PHUKET: A British man was killed after his SUV slammed into a six-wheel truck in the early hours of Wednesday, March 18.

Colin Richmond, 51, is thought to have died instantly in the crash, which happened at 1.30am at the Koktanode Junction on Patak Road in Kata.

When he tried to overtake another car, his Toyota Sport Rider moved into the path of an oncoming truck laden with bottled drinking water.

Chalong Police Duty Officer Tianchai Duangsuwan said there was no blood inside the car and that the apparent cause of death was a broken neck.

“We’re waiting for results from the forensic team, including blood alcohol levels,” he said.

Tests have already shown that 60-year-old truck driver Hokkee Prachumpan was sober at the time of the crash. After questioning, police allowed him to go home.

“We are sure that Mr Hokkee, who lives in Rawai, will not flee. We will ask him to come to the police station after the evidence proves who was at fault,” Lt Tianchai said.

British Honorary Consul Martin Carpenter said Mr Richmond lived in Thailand, dividing his time between stays in Phuket and Koh Samui.

His body is now in Vachira Hospital. His next of kin have been informed of his death and are now making funeral arrangements.