PHUKET — 22 June 2026, An Australian man was arrested after allegedly driving into a police checkpoint sign in Kamala, injuring an officer, before fleeing the scene early Sunday morning.
Police said they were notified at 01:07 of a crash at the Naka police checkpoint in Kamala subdistrict, Kathu district. The incident left one officer injured.
Investigators said officers from Kamala Police Station were preparing equipment for a checkpoint when a white Toyota Yaris Ativ approached from Kamala towards Patong.
The vehicle allegedly struck a checkpoint sign at high speed, sending it flying across the road and causing damage. Pol. Lance Cpl. Anuchit Chaocharoen, who was standing behind the sign while on duty, was injured in the collision.
The driver fled the scene after the crash, prompting police to launch a search. Officers later intercepted the vehicle in Patong and arrested the driver, identified as Australian national Petratos Kosta.
He was taken to Kamala Police Station for legal proceedings.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident and are gathering additional evidence.
