Police hunt driver in fatal hit-and-run

PHUKET: Police are hunting the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a woman in Paklok this morning.

Obrom Daengprapai, 68, was dropping her 5-year-old granddaughter off at school when her motorbike was hit by a car while changing lanes, confirmed Lt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police.

“Witnesses told us that Ms Obrom attempted to change from the left lane to the right. However, the driver in the right lane was unable to brake for her in time,” Lt Kraisorn said. “When we arrived, the driver had already fled the scene, leaving behind the car, as we were told that he feared being attacked by locals.”

Neither Ms Obrom nor her granddaughter were wearing helmets at the time.

They were both brought to Thalang Hospital where Ms Obrom was pronounced dead on arrival, while her granddaughter received treatment for minor injuries.

“We believe the driver will surrender soon. But in the meantime, we have sent out officers to investigate his or her whereabouts,” Lt Kraisorn added.

Fleeing the scene of an accident is a frequent occurrence in Phuket where moving traffic violations, as a matter of public policy, are rarely enforced.

— Winai Sarot