Pradit Muanthong, 28, told officials that he was driving toward Chalong Circle when smoke started pouring out of from under the bonnet.
“I panicked, pulled over to the side of the road and jumped out – and called for help.” he said.
On receiving the emergency call, Chalong Municipality dispatched one fire truck to the scene, on Chao Fa East Rd, opposite the intersection with Soi Ta-iad, renowned for its many muay thai training camps.
The firefighters soon arrived to find thick smoke pouring from the jeep’s engine, and doused it with water, but took 20 minutes before the smoke stopped.
Officials told The Phuket News that the cause of the fire and the cost of damage to the vehicle had yet to be determined.