PHUKET — Patong Police are still searching for foreign suspects who crashed their pickup truck into a motorcyclist in front of Patong Hospital in Kathu district, Phuket. The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, has sparked public concern.
Surasak Kongbua, 38, the motorcycle driver, revealed on March 12 that the incident occurred on March 8 around 5:15 p.m. He was on his way to purchase equipment to repair lighting at a customer’s home when the collision happened.
“I saw the green light at the intersection near Patong Hospital and proceeded normally. I didn’t see the pickup truck coming from the left until it crashed into me, causing my bike to slide about 20 meters,” Surasak explained.
After the crash, bystanders came to help. Surasak initially parked by a hotel area where three young foreign men, appearing to be in their early twenties, exited the pickup truck. When Surasak informed them he was calling the police, one asked when officers would arrive.
The situation escalated when a hotel employee attempted to mediate. One of the passengers became confrontational with the hotel staff before turning to Surasak, who told them, “Don’t say much—we’ll talk at the police station. Everything has been recorded on video.”
At this point, the three young men attempted to flee in their vehicle. Surasak tried to record them but couldn’t use his phone due to a broken screen. A bystander helped record video and the vehicle’s license plate while Surasak attempted to prevent their escape by hitting their window.
“When the driver braked and the passenger opened the door, I backed away fearing for my safety,” Surasak recounted. “Then the driver ran toward me and pulled out a knife. I didn’t know what to do, so I pretended to reach into my pocket. This made them hesitate—they probably thought I had a weapon too—before they got back in the truck and drove away.”
Surasak sustained minor knee injuries during the incident, requiring only 30 baht in medical treatment. He filed a police report the same day and commended the police for their diligent follow-up efforts.
“Even though they haven’t caught the three men yet, the police have been very good about checking in on the case every day,” he said. “I’m still waiting for them to apprehend the suspects.”
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