Three foreign motorcyclists fled the scene and abandoned their injured friend after running a red light and crashing into a Thai woman’s motorcycle in Phuket this morning, December 17.
According to Phuket Times, the accident occurred at an intersection near the popular restaurant Go Benz Rice Porridge Phuket, where Patiphat Road meets Vichitsongkram Road. The crash happened after four foreign motorcyclists allegedly ignored a red traffic light while riding through the junction.
The report stated that the Thai woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was injured in the collision. One of the foreign riders was also hurt. However, the injured foreign man was left behind at the scene after his three companions fled, apparently to avoid legal consequences.
As of the latest update, the conditions of both the Thai woman and the injured foreign man had not been released to the public. The remaining foreign motorcyclists involved in the incident were still at large.
The incident sparked strong reactions among Thai netizens, with many mentioning reckless behaviour by foreign motorists in Phuket. Some users said similar incidents happen frequently and blamed a lack of strict enforcement of traffic laws. Some of the comments stated…
“A lot of foreigners run a red light in Phuket. When Thai traffic laws will be effective.”
“I’m sure that the foreigner on the yellow motorcycle rode against the flow of traffic and almost crashed into me.”
“Before blaming the foreigners, blaming the rental shops first. They focus only on their income. They should be punished when accidents occur.”
“They (rental shop owners) rent cars and motorcycles too easily even without skills. I don’t dare to overtake them on road even if they rode very slowly because they always make unexpected and reckless moves.”
In a related incident, a foreign tourist was killed in a motorcycle accident in Phang Nga on December 12. The tourist and his friends had rented motorcycles in Phuket and travelled to Phang Nga for sightseeing.
During their return journey, one rider reportedly lost control on a downhill curve, causing the motorcycles to collide and resulting in a fatality.
Earlier in November, three foreign motorcyclists were fined 4,000 baht each for running a red light at an intersection in Phuket. Fortunately, no one was injured in that case. The Thai motorcycle rental owner who provided the vehicles was also fined.
The story 3 foreign motorcyclists abandon injured friend and woman after crash in Phuket as seen on Thaiger News.
