Mr Kostenko arrived at Vejthani International Hospital in Bangkok this morning (Dec 22), as confirmed by his support group. The patient’s condition was stable enough to opt for ambulance transportation rather than aircraft, albeit incurring a cost exceeding B130,000, as indicated in the receipt shared by the Ukrainian’s friends.
"Good morning, Arthur is in Bangkok, everything is good. The hospital is very modern and cool. The staff speaks English. Artur will definitely be taken care of," stated ost on the Help Artur Phuket Telegram page.
Later in the day, the support group announced that the first surgery at Vejthani Hospital would be performed tomorrow (Dec 23) morning. The group reiterated the appeal for donations as Mr Kostenko’s friends currently have to cover the costs of treatment independently.
"The doctors have scheduled the operation for 11am tomorrow. Preparatory procedures are now being carried out. Many different doctors work with him. We [the support group] are also in Bangkok with him. Everything will be fine, but we will need a lot of money for [Mr Kostenko’s] surgery and recovery. Thank you all very much for your help so far. Every repost, every donation is very important to us," stated a post in the Help Artur Phuket group.
For those willing to support Mr. Kostenko’s fight for life, direct transfers can be made to the Krungsri Bank account provided:
- Account holder: Kateryna Shepetenko
- Account number: 139-1-71327-6
- Bank’s name: Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited
Details are available on the Help Artur Phuket page for other donation options as well as updates on Mr Kostenko’s condition.
Artur Kostenko, aged 28, was seriously injured when a green-plate taxi sped through the Samkong Intersection, striking the Yamaha big bike he was riding on Tuesday afternoon (Dec 19).
CCTV footage revealed that Mr Kostenko was riding towards Central Phuket and stopped for a red light at the intersection near Lotus’s Extra department store.
When the light turned green, the Ukrainian moved off quickly and was immediately hit by a green-plate taxi, a Toyota Altis driven by Naphatphong Thipprapai, 37, traveling from Phra Phuket Kaew Rd towards Yaowarat Rd.
Wearing a helmet, Mr Kostenko survived the crash and was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in critical condition. Phuket Police are yet to reveal charges against Naphatphong or clarify the insurance coverage the taxi driver has.
As Mr Kostenko remains unconscious, his friends have been unable to ascertain his insurance details beyond the mandatory coverage. According to Phuket Tourist Police, Mr Kostenko arrived in Phuket in 2022 and has a legitimate visa until early next year.
Mr Kostenko’s case has unfolded in parallel with PM Srettha Thavisin’s visit to Phuket. The head of the Thai Government has repeatedly emphasized the importance of ensuring tourists’ confidence in their safety in Thailand.
On the exact day of the accident, December 19, the Cabinet discussed insurance coverage for foreign tourists experiencing accidents and other emergency cases in Thailand.