Phasakorn was driving a pickup loaded with watermelons when it slammed into a motorbike carrying Janyaporn Kaopattanakit, 45, and Chantra Siriyamon, 33.
Ms Janyaporn and Ms Chantra were sitting on the motorbike behind a van waiting at a red light at one of the main intersections along the main road through the heart of Kamala when they were struck by the pickup, which was travelling at speed.
Ms Janyaporn was killed instantly and Ms Chantra later died at Patong Hospital.
Kamala Police Chief Pol Col Anurak Prinyasathirakul confirmed that Phasakorn, the pickup truck driver involved in the crash, was questioned by police and later released, with the charge formally filed as the investigation continues.
He said further legal action will depend on formal testimony from the relatives of the deceased, who are currently making arrangements for religious rites.
“At this stage, the driver is taking responsibility and assisting the victims’ families with the arrangements,” Pol Col Anurak said.
Police said initial investigations found no evidence linking the crash to mobile phone use. Phasakorn’s phone was in a zip-locked bag on the back seat of the accident. “We checked and found no phone usage messages during that time,” Pol Lt Surasit Wanadee, Investigator of Kamala police, told The Phuket News.
Pol Col Anurak also confirmed that alcohol and drug tests conducted on the driver returned negative results.
According to preliminary findings, Phasakorn was alone and transporting watermelons at the time of the crash.
Pol Col Anurak continued the driver told investigators he had been working early and sleeping late, and believed exhaustion from work caused him to fall asleep while driving.
When asked at what speed the pickup was travelling at the time of the collision, Pol Col Anurak declined to comment.
Instead, Pol Col Anurak pointed out that insurance and compensation matters involving a sedan and van also caught up in the crash had been “fully resolved”.
“Both vehicles were covered by comprehensive insurance, and compensation has already been paid,” he said.
For the deceased victims, initial compensation has already been provided under the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance Act amounting to B500,000, along with an additional B1 million paid by the insurance company, he said.
“Further compensation will need to be negotiated directly between the pickup driver and the victims’ relatives, and legal proceedings will continue,” Pol Col Anurak said.
The deaths of Ms Janyaporn and Ms Chantra have deeply shaken the Kamala community, with an outpouring of condolences and tributes posted online.
Ying’s Cafe posted a message on social media expressing deep sorrow and announcing a temporary closure. “Ying’s Cafe will be closed for a while because we lost our beloved sister Ae and my lovely and sweet friend Pui Pui. Rest in peace. I love you both so much,” the post read.