Phuket Governor visits Aussie accident victims

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop rushed to Bangkok Hospital Phuket yesterday afternoon to comfort the 26-year-old widow of the young Australian killed in a jeep crash on Big Buddha Hill today.

Gov Wichai told Aimee Malonzo, who married her husband Michael just a week ago, how sorry he was for her loss.

The governor offered Mrs Malonzo and the other survivors ‘all the help they need from Phuket’.

He also pledged to tell island tourist businesses to be more careful, especially on the hill that claimed Michael’s life.

Mrs Malonzo, who works as a dance teacher in Camden, dislocated her hip in the accident.

“My parents are flying here for me,” she said, holding back tears.

“They’ll arrive in Phuket tomorrow and stay with me. The doctors say I can fly home after a week in hospital.”

Some of the eight other Australian passengers were also injured.

Brothers Tylar and Tori Giles, aged 11 and 14 respectively, sustained head and chest injuries.

The hospital will keep them under observation.

Dannet Roberts, 49, is undergoing surgery for a broken shoulder bone and ear injury.

Damrong Tiamsameu, the 36-year-old driver of the jeep, and local elephant trainer Uthai Nhaichaona were also injured in the accident.

— Kitima Pornmongkhonwat