When police arrived at the scene, Pol Sergeant Suthat Songmueng, 40, of the Tha Chaichai Police Suppression Unit was found lying unconscious on the road, a Phang Nga registered Toyota minivan was parked nearby.
Lt Col Sarit Butrnongsang told The Phuket News, “Sgt Suthat was waiting to make a u-turn at the Pa Noen Pad Thai intersection in Baan Sakoo. He was on his way to conduct security duty for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who was due to arrive at the airport.
“Whilst waiting to make his u-turn, an out of control minivan came over the road island and hit him to the ground,” Col Sarit said.
The minivan driver, Pichitphol Pak-kaew from Phuket was arrested at the scene, and after being breathalysed was found to have an alcohol reading of .079, the legal limit in Thailand .05.
He was later taken to Thalang Hospital to be tested again for alcohol and also drugs.
Sgt Suthat’s body was also taken to Thalang Hospital where it is waiting for for his relatives to collect it so they can carry out funeral rites.