Capt Ronnapoom Permpoon of the Phuket City Police was notified of an accident at the U-turn in front of the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) on Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd at 3:30am today (Mar 16).
Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a Phuket-registered Honda City car smashed into the back of a Bangkok-registered tour bus belonging to the Trans Asia Express Co Ltd.
Inside the car was an injured male driver, later identified as Tanachai Tanaputinan, stuck behind the steering wheel.
Mr Tanachai’s face was covered with blood but he was still conscious. He was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Tow but later transferred to Mission Hospital Phuket where he is still recovering.
The bus driver, Paiboon Dueanthaisong, 42, told police, “My girlfriend and I were heading to a hotel in Kata from a housing estate in Sapam. We were going to pick up tourists to take them to Phuket International Airport.
“When I arrived at the scene I parked the bus on the side of the road to wait for a tour guild. The bus’ hazard lights were turned on and blinking,” he said.
“I then went to a shop to buy a drink when suddenly a member of staff from the shop shouted that there had been an accident.
I ran from the shop to find a car had driven into the back of the bus. The driver was stuck inside the car so I then called to for help,” Mr Paiboon added.
Police are continuing their investigation to see if any charges will be pressed.