The pair were heading eastbound down the steep descent toward Kathu when their motorbike struck the front of a Toyota pickup truck heading up the hill at about 6:30am. (See story here).
“The driver, Nattharikar Tongchum (22) remains in care at Vachira Phuket Hospital and his passenger Natarat Ponsaen (26) is currently at Patong Hospital,” Lt Col Amponwat Saengruang of the Kathu Police said today.
“The driver of the motorbike is at fault for the accident. He collided with the pickup truck as it was going up the hill, in the correct lane,” he said.
“The woman driving the pickup truck was driving alone in the vehicle, going to deliver ice. Luckily, she was not injured,” Col Amponwat added.
Mr Nattharikar has not been charged yet as he is still recovering in hospital, but will most likely be charged with reckless driving, Col Amponwat explained.
“We have yet to question Mr Nattharikar as he is still in hospital. We requested the doctor to check alcohol levels, but have not yet received a report confirming whether or he was drunk.”