Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A drunk driver killed a French tourist and damaged at least nine vehicles in a serious crash in Phuket on Saturday, January 10, 2026, according to police. The incident occurred around noon in Muang district and involved multiple collisions with cars, motorcycles and pedestrians. One pedestrian later died in hospital from severe injuries, while several others were hurt.

Police said the driver, a 51-year-old Thai man, was behind the wheel of a Volvo sedan when the sequence of crashes began. Officers described how the vehicle sideswiped several cars and motorcycles before accelerating away from the initial impact area. The driver then struck two additional motorcycles and two pedestrians walking along the roadside.

One of the pedestrians was identified as French tourist Loic Vincent Fontaine. Police said he suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he later died despite medical treatment. The second pedestrian and the motorcyclists involved sustained injuries of varying severity.

The driver was later identified by police as Jattapol Koetphon, aged 51. Officers said he was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and initially attempted to flee the scene. His escape was cut short when the Volvo crashed into a streetlight, preventing the vehicle from continuing.

Emergency responders and traffic police were dispatched to the scene shortly after the collisions were reported. They provided assistance to the injured, secured the crash area and worked to clear damaged vehicles from the roadway. The incident caused disruption to traffic in the surrounding area while the response and clean-up were under way.

Police said the suspect now faces multiple charges, including drunk driving causing death, damaging property and fleeing the scene of an accident without taking responsibility. The case highlights ongoing concerns in Phuket and other tourist destinations about road safety and drink-driving enforcement. Authorities have repeatedly warned that alcohol-impaired driving remains a major cause of serious road accidents.

Khoasod reported that investigators are continuing to gather evidence, including witness statements and forensic findings from the crash site. Police said the investigation is ongoing and further legal proceedings will follow in line with Thai law. The suspect remains in police custody as officers prepare the case for prosecution.

Key Takeaways

• A French tourist, Loic Vincent Fontaine, was killed after being struck by a drunk driver in Phuket on January 10, 2026.

• Police said the suspect, Jattapol Koetphon, damaged at least nine vehicles and attempted to flee before crashing into a streetlight.

• The driver has been charged with drunk driving causing death, property damage and fleeing the scene, with the investigation ongoing.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-11

 

 

Throw the book at this piece of shhhh. Odds are this will follow a certain pattern though.

RIP to the deceased.

Gruesome end of the dream holiday.

Horrible attempt to speed away nearly hitting and killing more people.

Another proof how you can die on Thailands roads without ever touching a wheel. So often.

What to do with this p.o.s ?

Volvo. Obviously not from the peasant caste.

He will pay his way out. The model of car and what looks like a personalised plate suggest he is affluent. Even killing a pedestrian whilst driving drunk and fleeing the scene can be fairly easily paid off in Thailand.

Appalling.

Typical Thai trying to run away !!

No thai netizen asking to revoke the visa free policy ? What a tragedy for a man on holiday, walking on the side way. Unbelievable.

Confused.

Deleted.

Drunk at noon! started early. A 500 baht fine for him then.

20 years in Jail... no early release should teach the monster a lesson.

What a dreadful tragedy- we can all just hope that justice is truly served and the culprit pays a heavy price in jail

anyone here drink and drive? don't.

RIP the Deceased and a hopeful speedy recovery for the innoicent injured Folks.

When this Human Excretia wakes up it will be ''Do you know who i am ? ''. My bet will be he pays big money and walks after a few nights in Clink.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

20 years in Jail... no early release should teach the monster a lesson.

Most probably the driver will get away with it (with no criminal history) if Frenchman has nobody to press charges. 🤔😔

On 1/11/2026 at 12:10 PM, Briggsy said:

He will pay his way out. The model of car and what looks like a personalised plate suggest he is affluent. Even killing a pedestrian whilst driving drunk and fleeing the scene can be fairly easily paid off in Thailand.

Appalling.

Anyone check if the driver was Vorayuth Yoovidhya Red Bull heir.

He would most likely be the culprit based on his past driving record and similarity to this case.

Both sicko drivers with no respect to others. Once this Volvo driver is locked up throw the key away.

On 1/11/2026 at 3:05 AM, blaze master said:

Throw the book at this piece of shhhh. Odds are this will follow a certain pattern though.

Volvo and plenty money. Won't see jail.

Absolutely sickening. Minding his own business walking around taking in the sights. RIP Loic.

17 hours ago, it is what it is said:

anyone here drink and drive? don't.

Cos you’ll spill it.