Gloucester man killed in crash

PHUKET: A British expatriate died after reportedly being cut off by a pickup truck on Saturday night.

Michael Fraser Macpherson, 44, was killed on Kwang Road, in front of the Baan Manee Kram Jomthong Tanee housing complex, when his motorcycle slammed into the side of a pickup truck at about 8:40pm.

Police reported that Mr Macpherson was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The driver of the pickup, Nipan Karnprakorb, 39, was turning into the housing complex when he allegedly cut off Mr Macpherson. Also in the vehicle were Mr Nipan’s wife and daughter.

“Mr Nipan said he was driving from Chao Fa West Road to Chao Fa East Road,” said Lt Patcharee Wongboon of Wichit Police. “While he was turning into the housing complex, Mr Macpherson, who was in the oncoming lane, lost control of his motorbike and hit Mr Nipan’s pickup truck. The impact killed the Brit instantly.”

Mr Macpherson’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, while Mr Nipan and his passengers were questioned at the scene of the crash. Mr Nipan was then taken to Wichit police station and charged with reckless driving causing death.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong