Tourist chaos in Phuket: Foreigner Steals Van and Crashes into another Van

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Chaos unfolded in Phuket yesterday when a foreign visitor engaged in a series of shocking behaviors, culminating in a serious road accident. The scene played out on Patong Hill, causing prolonged traffic delays and leaving two people injured.

 

The saga began with an altercation involving the tourist, who had previously assaulted a Myanmar worker before fleeing to a local hospital where he was temporarily apprehendid. Escaping custody, the man managed to steal a parked white Toyota van from a PTT gas station where its owner, Tiwa Santhichatsak, had momentarily left the engine running.

 

Driven in a reckless escape attempt, the stolen van crashed into another vehicle, a Hyundai van, driven by Sompong Ruangchan, who suffered leg injuries as a result. The impact trapped the foreign perpetrator in the wreckage, necessitating a rescue operation involving hydraulic tools. The significant debate initiated by this incident revolved around delays and danger poised to Patong Hill's traffic, rendering both lanes congested and straining local police resources.

 

In the ensuing chaos, police and emergency responders were swift to administer aid and manage the ensuing traffic jam. The authorities questioned the tourist and contacted his embassy, indicating likely legal repercussions. Initial police speculation suggested the sequence of erratic behavior might have been triggered by psychological or substance abuse issues, though official confirmation awaited further investigation.

 

Chalermpong Sangdee, MP for Phuket’s 2nd district from the Move Forward Party, emphasized the importance of establishing clearer protocols for managing such situations in tourist-heavy areas.

 

This madcap episode not only serves as a dramatic anecdote for Phuket's locals and visitors but also raises pertinent debates about safety regulations and the management of tourist behavior in such high-traffic destinations. Further updates are anticipated as investigations continue into this bizarre incident that threw a wrench in the typically bustling area of Patong Beach.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-07-08

 

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[paahlman]

Its not uncommon that there are car crashes on patong hill. Stolen or not should not make a difference.. The traffic chaos is created because one can never move the car before the insurance companies(or police) are finished which takes forever sometimes.

[nutosf]

Russian?

[hotchilli]

50 minutes ago, nutosf said:

Russian?

He wasn't hanging around...

[Stargeezr]

Any foreignor who steals anything deserves the maximum fine and jail time for being a criminal 

abroad. IMO

[roo860]

Yesterday morning Ch34 

[ChrisY1]

"had momentarily left the engine running."....Keeping the van cool is a prerequisite in Thailand:))

It's illegal to leave keys in vehicles and usually voids and insurance claims if the vehicle gets stolen. Tiwa Santhichatsak may cop a big bill....suing the expat that stole the van would be a time waster!

[Korat Kiwi]

9 minutes ago, roo860 said:

 

Yesterday morning Ch34 

Looks like he's trying to do a runner again! 

[roo860]

29 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

Looks like he's trying to do a runner again! 

Looks off his face!!

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, Korat Kiwi said:

Looks like he's trying to do a runner again! 

Sounds like he can speak Thai .

[ShaneOTraveller]

Dam Falang up to no good again. Shame how he caused such traffic Kaos not to mention the poor van owner losing their Transportation with the Falang in wreckage.  

[roo860]

12 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

Sounds like he can speak Thai .

I watched the whole report yday, that's just a clip I posted, didn't hear him speaking Thai. 

[Purdey]

Foreign criminals need to be banned. Come to think of it, every member of their family should be banned too. Blood runs thicker etc. Let them have a family meeting and say, "What have you done to us Frank? What did we do in Thailand? Nothing except have you as a family member." 

[paahlman]

On 7/8/2024 at 1:54 AM, Stargeezr said:

Any foreignor who steals anything deserves the maximum fine and jail time for being a criminal 

abroad. IMO

Abroad or not.. Last time i checked you would get same treatment as locals. Meaning if you steal a truck in USA.. Excpect to get a normal penalty even you are from Mongolia.

[Captain Monday]

This story makes no sense.

Why not hear the foreigners side of the story before 

demanding prosecution and deportation. He could have good

reason for the so called assault. Self defense?

[Deserted]

Maybe he forgot they drive on the left here.