Police were alerted to the man’s actions and closed Thepkrasattri Rd to all traffic at 2:30am.
About 10 police officers, with assistance from Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers, took about 20 minutes to bring the man safely into protective custody.
Luckily, motorists had managed to avoid colliding into the man as he ran across the traffic about 500 metres north the Saladaeng Intersection (see map below.)
Col Thirawat Leamsuwan of the Thalang Police confirmed that the man had not suffered any physical injury in the incident.
“He was taken to Thalang Hospital and then transferred to Vachira Hospital,” he said.
Dr Chalermpong Sukonphonphol, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, told The Phuket News, “The man appears to have some form of mental disorder, which we are currently providing treatment for.”
Dr Chalermpong pointed out that the Swedish man’s permit to stay expired yesterday.
“Staff at the hospital are coordinating with the relevant agencies and the Swedish consular representatives to take care of this matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, the man remains in care at the hospital, Dr Chalermpong added.
“His condition has improved, but we are keeping him under observation for now,” he said.