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Tour minibus runs off road as driver turns to GPS

Tour minibus runs off road as driver turns to GPS

PHUKET: Five tourists were taken to hospital this morning (Apr 24) after the driver of their minibus ran off the road while switching on the GPS on his phone.

tourismtransportSafetypolice
By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 24 April 2023, 03:36PM


Pol Lt Wuttichai Chanfai of the Wichit Police said officers were informed of the accident, on Route 4010, the road between Chao Fa West Rd and the Prince of Songkla University Phuket campus, at about 8:25am.

At the scene police and rescue workers from the Phuket Ruamjai Rescue Foundation (“Ruamjai Kupai”) arrived to find a blue-white Bangkok-registered minibus in a ditch by the side of the road. Painted on the side of the minibus was the name of tour company ‘Pathumwan Auto (1993)’.

Six of the tourist passengers suffered minor injuries in the accident. Five of them ‒ four Indian nationals and one Pakistani ‒ were taken to Dibuk Hospital. One of the injured tourists refused to go.

The tourists were treated for scratches and abrasions. X-rays confirmed no broken bones.

The tour company representative present assured all medical bills were covered by the tour company’s insurance.

Thai Residential

The minibus driver, Anon Khamnarong, 30, told police that he picked up the tourists from Patong. They were en route to Ratsada Pier, but he was concerned he had taken a wrong turn.

The bus accidentally veered off the road when he went to switch on the GPS on his phone.

Wichit Police said Mr Anon had tested negative for alcohol.

Mr Anon and the minibus were taken to Wichit Police Station while officers said they were continuing their investigation.

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Prab | 26 April 2023 - 18:04:33

high quality drivers for high quality tourist ..lol..welcome to the jungle and watch your life around here 

Old guy | 25 April 2023 - 14:16:19

Switching on GPS? Bull! Either talking or watching videos.
The truth is never told. 

PlasticJim | 25 April 2023 - 13:21:28

Looks like same bus what goes around town and is driven very very badly and something like this was just only thing what was coming out of that c€%&ish driving. Surprised he no take few motorbikes with him to ditch as he didnt care them much at town.

Kurt | 25 April 2023 - 09:42:55

A clear case of irresponsible driving. Driver obviously didn't know the road, that is why he switched on GPS, during which he lost control at a road he was not familiar with. He should have stopped the minibus. A clear case of negligence. Bringing life of passengers in danger. Corrective action against the driver? Fine B6000 and 2 month forbidden to drive+ theorictic refreshment courses.

JohnC | 25 April 2023 - 08:57:41

Here we go again. The 'bus' veered off the road. Not the driver who is incompetent and should not be allowed to transport passengers. Taking your eyes of the road to turn on GPS is no excuse. Stop the vehicle first, turn GPS on, start driving again. Think about the safety of those you are carrying. Not difficult!

 

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