Maj Somchai Nooboon of Phuket City Police said the body of Sakpayom "Ajarn Jack" Tharapong, 37, was found lying near the back wheel of a bus at the end of a15 metre-long trail of blood on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Yai.
The victim's colleagues from the Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation administered CPR before rushing him to Vachira Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after 6pm on Friday (Feb 19).
“Witnesses said they saw the motorbike followed the bus and the bus side-swiped the motorbike which caused it to crash. Then the bus dragged the body of the victim along the road. They shouted for the bus driver to stop,” Maj Somchai told The Phuket News.
The bus driver, 37-year-old Nukul Kaewtawee, told police that he was on his way to Phuket Town when a pick-up tuck in front of him forced him to slow down.
"Then someone shouted to me that there is a body under the bus. I stopped the bus and checked under and saw the victim. I called the police," Nukul said.
Another vehicle involved in the accident, a Toyota pick up, was also damaged on the rear where the victim's motorbike, a Yamaha Fino was found lying on the road.
The Toyota driver, 33-year-old Somkiet Tohhem, told police he parked his truck and had gone inside a store when he heard a loud bang. When he came outside he saw the motorbike had crashed the back of his truck and the injured victim was on the road near the bus.
"Kusoldharm rescue workers said that Ajarn Jack left home in Wichit area to attend a meeting at Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation where he worked for more than eight years. He was a good man and beloved among many people they said. It is a tremendous loss for the foundation. Ajarn Jack is the diving instructor and taught children as well," said Maj Somchai.
No charges have been filed. Both drivers were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further questioning and police will check if any of the CCTV footage available will help in their investigation.