Phuket election canvasser dies in high-speed collision
PHUKET: A man helping to post campaign posters for the upcoming local election in Mai Khao died in a high-speed motorcycle accident yesterday afternoon.
Tah Chat Chai Police Lt Col Prakob Boonkwan received a report at 2pm saying that a motorcycle had slammed into a 10-wheeled truck on the road that runs alongside the runway at Phuket International Airport.
“Witnesses reported the motorcycle coming from the airport and heading towards Thepkrasattri Road at high speed. Meanwhile, the 10-wheeled truck loaded with soil was pulling out onto the road.
“The man riding the motorcycle lost control and slammed into the truck,” said Lt Col Prakob.
The rider was later identified as 30-year-old Mai Khao resident Somkwan Songubon.
“He was a fisherman and a close friend of former Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) member Winai Sae-Ew,” Lt Col Prakob said.
Mr Winai told the Phuket Gazette, “The day before the accident, Somkwan was helping me post election campaign signs. He asked for time off and said he would be back later to help, and then I received a call about the accident.
“His family is poor. I will help them as much as I can,” he added.
The truck driver was taken to Tah Chai Chai Police Station for quesitioning, Lt Col Prakob said.
Police have yet to decide whether or not to press charges.
— Wichai Witthaya
