The Honda Accord with Satun license plates failed to negotiate the bend near the Go-Kart track after coming down Patong Hill, and smashed into the pole.
The driver, whose name was not released, was not seriously injured. But the front-seat passenger, Ake Akewechakul, suffered a broken neck.
A member of the Kusoltham Foundation said rescuers resuscitated Mr Ake and managed to get him breathing before taking in an ambulance to Vachira hospital. However, he died on the way.
The driver was taken to Patong hospital. A blood alcohol test showed that he was over the legal limit.