Just after 3.30am this morning, rescue workers and Phuket police responded to a call from Thalang resident, Mr Jamnien Sinthong, 55, who informed them that a car had smashed into his house, located across the street from the sacred and revered Phuket monument. At the scene, authorities found a man and wreckage of a white Toyota Yaris with Phuket plates, which had smashed into a TOT telephone booth, having knocked over a building post as well.
The driver, who appeared to be unscathed though in a “dizzy state”, was identified as Mr Senee Thongloi, 40, of Songkhla. Officers had the vehicle towed to Thalang Police station and brought along Mr Senee for questioning. Mr Senee told police that he had just attended a company New Year’s party in Chalong, and was on his way to his birth home in Phatthalung Province.
However, he said he dozed off before his vehicle crashed into the fence barriers of the Monument, which caused the vehicle to “bounce out of control” and finally smashing into the house and telephone pole. Mr Senee said he was able to help himself out of the car to safety.
Police inspected the premises and took note of a drag marking on the road, about 150 metres from the final collision spot, and are currently assessing the cost of all the damages, which include both public and private property.