The accident occurred just after 3pm on the Karon beachfront road (Patak Rd West).
Karon Police said a Phuket Smart Bus minibus, licence plate 10-1210 Phuket, driven by Suntichai Chatree, 38, struck Aleksandr Bondarenko, a 39-year-old Russian national, while he was crossing the road.
Pol Lt Col Eaksak Khwanwan, the investigating officer, said Karon Police were notified by the station’s radio communications centre that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle in the area.
“Officers arrived at the scene and found the Phuket Smart Bus involved in the collision. The pedestrian had sustained serious injuries,” Pol Lt Col Eaksak said.
Mr Bondarenko was rushed to Chalong Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to dashcam footage from the bus, the vehicle was travelling along the Karon beach road when Mr Bondarenko stepped out from between two parked vehicles. Police said the pedestrian was not looking towards the bus when he entered the roadway.
Police conducted a preliminary investigation at the scene, prepared a site map and recorded statements from witnesses. The bus driver was taken in for questioning.
Karon Police Station Chief Acting Pol Col Pathapi Srichai confirmed that Mr Suntichai has now been formally charged with reckless driving causing death.
Police also confirmed that the driver tested negative for alcohol following the crash.
Investigators are continuing to examine CCTV footage in the area and are gathering additional witness statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.
PKCD Co Ltd, the operator of the Phuket Smart Bus service, had not issued a formal statement regarding the fatal accident as of press time.
The incident comes just three months after another Phuket Smart Bus was involved in an accident in Karon.
On Nov 12 last year, an electric Phuket Smart Bus failed to climb a steep hill near the Tom Yum Kung intersection on Khok Tonod–Rawai Rd and rolled backwards into parked vehicles and a shop front. Two foreign tourists sustained minor injuries in that incident and were taken to Chalong Hospital. No fatalities were reported.
Following the November crash, PKCD Co Ltd said safety was its top priority and that it would cooperate fully with authorities in any investigations.
Police said further updates on the fatal Karon crash will be provided once the investigation is completed and additional evidence has been reviewed.