Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews

A tragic accident on Patak Road in Phuket resulted in the death of 23-year-old Turkish motorcyclist Yunus Emre Acar. The incident occurred near the Le Meridien Hotel intersection at approximately 12:35 am. Despite efforts from rescuers to save him, Acar succumbed to severe blood loss at the scene.

The police, upon arriving, found Acar's wrecked Honda motorcycle and two damaged vans at the site. The first van, driven by 58-year-old Prawit Songnasuek, and the second van, driven by 33-year-old Praiwan Bamrungyard, both sustained front-end damage. Initial reports suggest Acar collided with these vans while making a right turn at the intersection.

Authorities intend to review CCTV footage and conduct further interrogations of the van drivers to determine full details of the crash. This incident follows reports of other accidents involving foreign motorcyclists in Thailand, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety.

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews

Previously, a Belgian motorcyclist involved in a crash launched a public campaign for medical expenses after he was blamed for an incident and his insurance refused coverage. Additionally, a Thai man was allegedly assaulted by a foreign motorcyclist in a separate altercation, but no legal updates have surfaced.

Looking forward, the local police aim to wrap up investigations by thoroughly reviewing evidence and interviewing involved parties. Meanwhile, increasing attention is being directed towards improving traffic safety for both locals and tourists in the region, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• A Turkish motorcyclist died in a collision with two vans in Phuket.

• Investigations are underway using CCTV and interviews with van drivers.

• Recent traffic incidents in Phuket involve both local residents and foreigners.

Related stories

Dutch Rider Fatally Crashes into Parked Pickup in Chon Buri

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Emirati Tourist in Thailand

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-28

 

 

I wonder if for the split second he thought Thailand was right-handside driving?

RIP young guy, 23 is waaaaay to young to go.

8 hours ago, Priorexpat said:

I wonder if for the split second he thought Thailand was right-handside driving?

RIP young guy, 23 is waaaaay to young to go.

My thoughts too

So sad for him and his family

RIP

8 hours ago, Priorexpat said:

I wonder if for the split second he thought Thailand was right-handside driving?

Looking at the picture, the remains of the motor cycle are on the correct side of the single yellow line.

The van with damage to its off side front seems to be on the wrong side of the road.

I wonder where the other van is.

Perhaps the vans were racing?

Very sad. RIP Mr Acar.

4 hours ago, Muhendis said:

Looking at the picture, the remains of the motor cycle are on the correct side of the single yellow line.

The van with damage to its off side front seems to be on the wrong side of the road.

I wonder where the other van is.

Perhaps the vans were racing?

Yes, the Van in the picture is definitely on the wrong side of the road

8 hours ago, Muhendis said:

Looking at the picture, the remains of the motor cycle are on the correct side of the single yellow line.

The van with damage to its off side front seems to be on the wrong side of the road.

I wonder where the other van is.

Perhaps the vans were racing?

Could have been evasive maneuver.

On 1/30/2026 at 4:01 AM, Priorexpat said:

I wonder if for the split second he thought Thailand was right-handside driving?

RIP young guy, 23 is waaaaay to young to go.

This can happen. I found that it happened to me but without disastrous consequences because I caught myself in time. That's why as rule, with few exceptions, I won't drive here. If I do it's in a low traffic area where I rent a small scooter. So sad about such a young guy.

On 1/28/2026 at 6:31 PM, snoop1130 said:

This incident follows reports of other accidents involving foreign motorcyclists in Thailand, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety

Whenever a foreigners has a crash they have "ongoing concerns" in a country where easily 50 motorcyclists a day die (and don't make it to English language news).