Russian driver allegedly flees responsibility after Phuket accident

A Thai man demanded that a Russian pickup driver take responsibility for a car accident on Rawai Road in Phuket on October 29 after the foreign man twice failed to appear at a police station.

The Phuket Times reported on October 29 that the Russian man, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly ignored a red light on Rawai Road and drove his pickup at high speed, subsequently crashing into an orange hatchback on the road.

The black pickup was seen parked in the right lane. This lane was too narrow for the pickup to pass, causing it to collide with the orange hatchback in the left lane. A Russian man and woman were seen getting out of the pickup to assess the accident.

The media outlet provided updates on the case yesterday, November 3, reporting that the Russian man attempted to settle the matter with 1,000 baht in cash, which the Thai driver refused. The Thai driver called a representative from his car insurance to the scene after the incident.

Both Russian and Thai drivers, along with the insurance representative, went to the police station. The police arranged a meeting to finalise the compensation for the Thai driver but the Russian man failed to attend on two occasions.

The Thai driver decided to share the incident with Phuket Times, prompting criticism from locals in Phuket. Some criticised Thai laws and officials, while others shared their experiences with the Russian driver on Phuket roads.

“I’ll keep an eye on the police to see if they can actually use any laws to punish the suspect.”

“This foreign driver has never waited for traffic lights.”

“Phuket is full of foreigners like this because money seems to carry more weight than the law in Thailand.”

“This man breaks traffic laws daily, making U-turns wherever he pleases.”

“The foreign man has already paid—he paid the police, not you (Thai driver).”

“I always avoid going near that black pickup.”

As of now, police have not provided an update on the case or on how they plan to summon the Russian man for questioning and legal action.