Phuket

Phuket pickup crash: Thalang trembles

Published

7 years ago

April 21, 2012

Phuket pickup crash: Thalang trembles | The Thaiger

PHUKET: A speeding pickup truck crashed into a pedestrian footbridge in Phuket last night, spreading fear of yet another earthquake tremor and causing a one-hour traffic tailback.

Thalang Police were notified of the crash in front of the Muang Thalang School on Thepkrasattri Road northbound at 5:45pm yesterday.

Arriving at the scene, Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers found the wreckage of a white Toyota Hilux pickup overturned in the middle of the road, its engine lying about 25 meters away by the median strip curb.

The driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old Pa Khlock resident Surachet Chaithongwik, managed to crawl from the wreckage conscious. He was put on oxygen and rushed to Thalang Hospital, said rescue workers.

Relatives at that facility said they intended to transfer Mr Surachet to a better equipped facility in Phuket Town as soon as possible.

Despite the damage to his vehicle, Mr Surachet’s injuries appeared to be relatively minor. He was conscious throughout and had no open wounds, said rescue workers.

A Thalang Hospital nurse said she suspected he may have suffered bruised or broken ribs.

Witnesses said the Hilux was moving quickly along Thepkrasattri Road in rainy conditions when it suddenly lost control, jumped the median strip and then slammed against a heavy concrete support of the pedestrian footbridge in front of Muang Thalang School.

A group of teenagers playing football at the school said they initially thought the booming sound of the crash was another earthquake.

Thalang has been the epicenter of 25 earthquakes ranging from of 2.0 to 3.3 Richters since an initial 4.3 magnitude tremor last Wednesday.

Motorists driving along Thepkrasattri Road northbound, the main artery heading off-island and to Phuket International Airport, had to wait about an hour in traffic while rescue workers treated Mr Surachet and cleaned up the wreckage.

— Wichai Witthawat

Phuket

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

Published

12 hours ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room | The Thaiger

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police

The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.

The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.

The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.

The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.

Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.

Phuket

Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

Published

16 hours ago

February 22, 2019

The Thaiger

PHOTO: Patong Police

Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.

Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.

Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.

Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.

Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.

(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)

PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง

Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Phuket

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Published

18 hours ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong | The Thaiger

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.

Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.

Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”

“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”