The accident took place at about 8pm when parts of Phuket – including Saphan Hin where the market was staged – were hit by heavy rain and winds. The concert was called off but the wild weather continued, toppling the stage and then the loudspeakers.
Phuket City Pol Capt Udom Phetrat said that while others hurried out of area, the motorbike taxi driver, Muhammad Poksakul, 62, was not quick enough.
The heavy sound system fell on him, breaking one of his legs in three places, and giving him severe head injuries, from which he died soon after.
The wind also toppled branches that damaged five houses on Narisorn Rd, close to the Governor’s Mansion. No injuries were reported.
North of Phuket, in Phang Nga Province, 15 houses were affected, some with their roofs blown off and others damaged by a falling tree.
The Meteorological Department predicts that southwest monsoon weather, bringing stormy conditions, will continue to affect the Andaman Sea coastline until Friday (June 21). Wind and rain will weaken after that date.
It also noted that a large tropical depression to the east of the Philippines now appears to be heading for Japan and will therefore not affect Thailand. However, anyone planning a trip to the Philippines, Japan or Taiwan soon should check weather conditions before deciding whether to fly.