PHUKET, THAILAND – A 47-year-old tourist from London died and a Chinese visitor was left in critical condition after a collision between two motorbikes on Phuket’s Patak Road.
British tourist dies after Sunday night collision
The crash occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, 8 December, on Patak Road in the south of Patong, when two motorcycles collided. A 47-year-old Briton from London and a Chinese tourist were riding the vehicles, and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Both seriously injured men were taken to Patong Hospital, where the Briton was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m.
Chinese rider in critical condition
While the British tourist succumbed to his injuries, the Chinese rider continued to fight for his life, and his condition was described as critical. Doctors at Patong Hospital were working to save him, but the nature of his injuries had not yet been made public. For both families, the holiday ended in what was described as an absolute tragedy.
Police struggle to identify victims and reach families
During the initial identification, police found that the deceased Briton was not carrying a passport and had been traveling alone. Officers located only his foreign driver’s license and notified the British embassy, but no relatives had yet come forward. Police were seeking to reach his family in England through diplomatic channels to deliver the news.
No alcohol detected in early tests
A preliminary toxicology test carried out at the hospital found no alcohol in the blood of either rider. This initially ruled out drunk driving as a cause of the crash, leading investigators to examine other possibilities. Potential factors under review included excessive speed, a technical defect or an unfortunate maneuver on the winding road.
Investigators review CCTV to reconstruct crash
Karon Police, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, opened an investigation focused on securing evidence.
“We are checking the CCTV footage in the area and conducting further investigations to find out what happened.”
said Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan.
The goal was to reconstruct the exact course of the accident and determine any responsibilities.
Deadly reminder of Phuket’s motorbike risks
Authorities said the crash was another somber example of the risks of motorbike riding on Phuket, where many tourists underestimate the traffic. Patak Road, a key connecting route that is often driven at speed and is full of curves, has repeatedly seen serious accidents. Police again urged all road users to exercise particular caution, warning that a single moment of inattention can be fatal.
Autopsy and next steps for authorities
The body of the British tourist was being kept for a detailed autopsy to formally establish the cause of death. At the same time, investigators were working to fully identify the Chinese tourist and notify his relatives. Thai authorities now faced the complex task of clarifying a tragic tourist accident with an international dimension.