Christian Roth, 30, beach complex operations manager at Angsana Laguna Phuket, was reportedly involved in a head-on collision at 2.55am near Baan Lipon, in the island’s north.
A representative of the Kusoldharm Foundation told The Phuket News that Mr Roth was driving his car towards Phuket Town when he appeared to have crossed on to the wrong side of the road.
He then collided with another vehicle close to Siam City Cement Co at Baan Lipon.
Mr Roth suffered a broken neck and internal injuries in the crash, and reportedly died instantly.
The three people in the other car – Kitjakarn Manajit, 23, Khuntap Alaisuk, 21, and Taksin Sirijan – were injured, though it’s not clear at this stage what condition they are in.
The three injured and the body of Mr Roth were taken to Thalang Hospital.
Mr Roth’s father Frederick posted in Spanish on his son’s Facebook wall early this afternoon, confirming the death and saying his “beloved son has gone”. Others are also posting messages of condolence.
Jerry John, the general manager of Angsana Laguna Phuket, said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, as well as his team, at this very difficult time. We will all miss him dearly."
Christian, who was Swiss-Mexican, was born in San Luis Potosi, in northern Mexico, but grew up in Mexico City.
During an interview with The Phuket News last month, he said after graduating from the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL), he started to work for Banyan Tree. He was part of the opening teams for both Banyan Tree hotel operations in Mexico – Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, and Cabo Marques in Acapulco.
He then opened a third hotel for Rosewood hotels and resorts in San Miguel de Allende before heading to New York, where he opened a restaurant with a couple of friends.
This year he started work as the beach complex operations manager at Angsana Laguna Phuket.
His death had caused ripples of shock to run through the hotel industry in Thailand; many hoteliers graduated from the EHL, and knew or knew of the popular Christian.