Lt Chanat Hongsitthichaikul of the Chalong Police, who responded to the incident, told The Phuket News, “I met the CRV driver at the scene. The driver did not flee, as reported by some media.”
Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapon on Saturday posted on social media a CCTV clip showing the accident, sparking outrage among local residents.
Lt Chanat declined to name the driver, but did reveal that the driver was Thai national.
The accident occurred just after 11am, when Watthana “Ko Na” Eakbuth, 57, was riding his motorbike northbound on Chao Fa West Rd.
He was legally turning right into Luang Por Chaem Rd, which runs alongside Wat Chalong, when he was struck by the CRV, which had run a red light while travelling southbound through the intersection.
Passers-by stopped to render assistance until an ambulance arrived, Lt Chanat explained.
Mr Watthana was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. He suffered serious injuries from the impact and from going under the CRV, he added.
“Mr Watthana was later pronounced dead at Vachira Phuket Hospital. We believe he died from head trauma, but we have yet to receive formal death certificate,” Lt Chanat said.
The driver has been charged with reckless driving causing death, Lt Chanat confirmed.