Thai, Korean to be charged in Phuket horror smash
PHUKET: The driver of an 18-wheel truck who may have caused the death of a young Thai couple on Tuesday is expected to surrender himself to Phuket City Police next week.
Thirty-year-old Faosi Samakij and Korean national Lee Joong Park, 40, will both face charges for their part in the accident.
Mr Faosi was allegedly reversing the truck at night on the bypass road, causing Mr Lee’s car to hit a motorbike.
Witthaya Kwianyon, 22, and his 18-year-old girlfriend Panatda Butrasan were killed instantly after Mr Witthaya lost control.
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Police learned Mr Faosi’s identity though his employer, who owned the truck.
“He panicked after the accident and fled the scene. We expect him to report to Phuket City Police for questioning next week, probably on Tuesday or Wednesday,” Phuket City Police Duty Officer Thada Sodarak said.
Police will charge Mr Faosi with reckless driving resulting in the death of the another person, he said.
Mr Lee will face the same charges.
“It is obvious that he crashed into the couple,” Sub-Lt Thada said.
Both drivers and their insurance companies are in negotiations over compensation for the victims’ families and the crash is still under investigation, he said.
— Atchaa Khamlo
