Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Accident in Phuket, Arrested After Hospital Release

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A tragic road accident in Phuket has claimed the life of a woman after a heavily intoxicated man drove his motorcycle against traffic. The incident occurred at 11:45 p.m. on May 20, on Road 4027 in Pa Khlok, near a petrol station.

Police Colonel Yutthaphon Wathaseth, alongside Police Colonel Nikorn Chuthong and a rescue foundation, responded swiftly to the scene. There they found two motorcycles, both with Phuket registrations. The victim, 42-year-old Thanyawat, was severely injured and later succumbed to her injuries at Thalang Hospital.

The driver responsible for the accident, identified as 32-year-old Piyanat, was also injured, exhibiting facial bruises and bleeding from the ear. After medical evaluation at Thalang Hospital, a breathalyser test confirmed Piyanat’s blood alcohol level at 130 milligrammes percent, well above the legal limit.

Piyanat admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the accident and driving against traffic in an attempt to reach his home near Tha Ruea Market. He lost control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with Thanyawat’s motorcycle, which was travelling lawfully in the correct direction.

Although Piyanat's medical condition initially delayed the filing of charges, police arrested him at 6 a.m. on May 21, following his discharge from the hospital. Legal proceedings are now in motion, as authorities work to address the consequences of this preventable tragedy and hold Piyanat accountable for his actions.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-21