Phuket Drive Thru: Woman blames car for surging into 7-Eleven

PHUKET: A woman parking her car outside a 7-Eleven in Phuket Town this afternoon ended up inside the store when the vehicle suddenly surged forward, injuring a 12-year-old girl in the process.

Orathai Kaikong, 31, had pulled into a gas station on Phun Pol Road in Phuket Town with her boyfriend to buy snacks.

“I was braking while pulling into a parking space, but then the car suddenly raced forward,” she said.

“We crashed into a girl sitting on a chair in front of the store. My boyfriend got out to help her and I called bystanders for help.”

Rescue workers were called to the scene at about 1pm and found the student still lying on the ground.

“She had cuts and bruises on her arms and head, and her chest and stomach were bruised. Rescue workers took her to Vachira Phuket Hospital,” said Maj Sakol Krainara of the Phuket City Police.

The front of the store and the outdoor ATM were damaged by the impact.

Police have charged Ms Orathai with reckless driving causing injury and destruction of property.

“We are questioning witnesses at the scene and we’ve asked the driver to come to the station to answer questions as well. We also plan to inspect the car,” said Maj Sakol.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong