PHANG NGA, THAILAND – A 25-year-old tourist from the United Arab Emirates was killed and three compatriots were seriously injured in a four-motorbike crash on a popular coastal road in southern Thailand.
Four UAE citizens hurt in mass motorcycle crash
The collision occurred on Friday evening at around 6 p.m. on Phetkasem Road in Takua Thung district, Phang Nga province, on lanes heading toward Phuket. When police arrived, four motorcycles were scattered across the carriageway, and all four riders, citizens of the UAE, had been injured.
They received first aid at the scene before being rushed to a nearby hospital, where one of the men could not be saved despite intensive efforts. The three surviving riders remained under medical care.
Victims identified; 25-year-old rider dies in hospital
Hospital staff later identified the injured as Mohamed Abdulla (33), Humaid Ali Juma (27), Saud Abdelaziz (25) and Butti Rashid (33). The 25‑year‑old Saud Abdelaziz succumbed to his severe injuries in hospital.
Thai authorities informed the UAE embassy about the fatal accident, and an investigation was under way. For family and friends of the deceased, a holiday trip that had begun as an exciting journey ended in a devastating tragedy.
Rental bikes believed to have started from Phuket
The crashed vehicles were Yamaha XMAX models, all bearing Phuket licence plates in black, red, white and grey. This suggested the group may have set off from the well‑known resort island for a tour through the southern provinces.
The scenic coastal Phetkasem Road is popular with tourists but can be treacherous, especially on its winding stretches. Conditions there have long been considered challenging for unfamiliar riders.
Cause of the accident still unknown
The exact cause of the crash remained completely unclear, and police had to wait until the three surviving riders recovered sufficiently to be questioned. Possible scenarios included a collision among the bikes, evasive action to avoid an obstacle, or excessive speed on the curving road.
Investigators were also set to examine the motorcycle wreckage in detail to rule out any technical faults. Findings from both the interviews and the technical checks were expected to clarify how the sequence of events unfolded.
Reminder of risks on Thai roads for foreign riders
The tragedy served as a painful reminder of the dangers of Thai road traffic, particularly for inexperienced foreign motorcyclists. Road and traffic conditions can be demanding for visitors who are not used to them.
Thai government and tourism agencies have long urged holidaymakers to exercise special caution and to use helmets and protective gear. The case highlighted how quickly the freedom of exploring Thailand on two wheels can turn into an irreversible loss.