Motorcyclist Chases Down Foreign Hit-and-Run Driver in Phuket

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod, dash-cam below courtesy of Phuketinsta.

 

Phuket residents are praising a local good Samaritan who chased down a foreign motorist involved in a hit-and-run incident. The incident occurred on January 12, at 13:30 on Thepkrasattri Road, Thalang district.

 

Dash-cam  footage shared by Phuket Times captured the moment a white Hyundai Creta,  cut in front of a motorbike while attempting to turn into a PT petrol station. The car collided with the motorbike, causing it to topple over.

 

When the motorcyclist approached the car for accountability, the driver fled the scene, heading towards Thalang intersection and turning onto Don Chom Thao Road. The pursuit ended when local police from Cherng Talay Police Station intercepted the driver on Ban Don-Cherng Talay Road, where they detained him for further investigation at Thalang Police Station.

 

The pursuit was led by Mr. Teerawut, a local motorcyclist, who witnessed the incident while riding with a friend. “I saw the car swerve and hit the bike, which was in the left lane. After the crash, I honked and called out for the car to stop, but the driver ignored me,” he explained.

 

Deciding to take action, Teerawut and his friend chased the car for several kilometres. The driver even came close to hitting their motorcycle during the pursuit. “I knocked on the car window and shouted for him to stop, but he didn’t,” he added. The chase finally ended when the car became stuck in traffic, preventing further escape.

 

While following the suspect, Teerawut contacted the police, who promptly arrived and arrested the driver. No details of the driver have been disclosed by authorities.

 

After ensuring the driver was apprehended, Teerawut returned to check on the injured motorcyclist but found they had already gone to Thalang Hospital. Upon visiting the hospital, he learned the victim had either been discharged.

 

The story quickly went viral after being posted online, with many netizens commending Teerawut’s bravery and sense of justice. Comments included:

 

• “You’re a true hero! Wishing the motorcyclist a speedy recovery.”

• “Phuket has become chaotic since the visa exemptions began. Foreign drivers need to respect our rules.”

• “The authorities should crack down on reckless driving by foreigners and ensure stricter vehicle rental regulations.”

 

-- 2025-01-13

 

 

 

 

[watchcat]

42 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Comments included:

 

 

• “Phuket has become chaotic since the visa exemptions began. Foreign drivers need to respect our rules.”

 

I hope they included the Thai drivers. But the comment is fair enough.

[Briggsy]

Whilst the foreigner was definitely the major contributor to this accident and deserves to be prosecuted for careless driving, the motorcyclist who was knocked off was

 

i. undertaking

ii. riding on the hard shoulder (normal in Thailand but the foreigner may not have expected that)

iii. certainly riding too fast for traffic conditions, possibly over the speed limit

iv. was definitely slow in beginning braking showing he was not paying attention

v. seemed to brake rather gently with his foot out rather than an emergency stop which was what was required

 

The motorcyclist will justifiably claim it was the Hyundai driver's fault but it is clear to me that he can learn lessons here, particularly regarding undertaking, excessive speed and awareness of both turnings and the movement of other vehicles.

 

I am glad it looked like serious injury was avoided.