Phuket rescue workers were notified of the accident on Soi Yod Sane at around 5.25pm on Wednesday (Aug 9). An ambulance from Pearl Center was dispatched to provide assistance, reports Novosti Phuket, The Phuket News’ sister-paper.
The case was not reported by Chalong Police, Phuket Tourist Police or local media but was included in the Aug 9 report of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the operator of Pearl Center.
Upon arriving at the scene, PPAO rescue workers found a damaged four-wheeled ATV that had collided with a small tour bus bearing the logo of a well-known local company.
The Chinese driver of the ATV, who remains unnamed, was conscious despite "a large tear wound on the forehead." It was not reported if the man was wearing a helmet.
Further injuries included what were described in the report as "disfigured limbs."
The man received first aid at the spot, was placed on a stretcher, and rushed to Chalong Hospital for further treatment.
Nothing has been revealed so far about any possible charges against the tourist regarding the operation of an ATV on a public road or against the tour operator that organised the recreational activity which resulted in material damage and bodily harm.
In February 2022, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Sermphan Sirikong signed an order banning all electric scooter from public roads as they are not permitted there by law.
Gen Sermphan warned that people caught riding electric scooters on public roads may be fined for operating an unregistered vehicle on a public road as well as operating a vehicle without a valid licence.
The first violation is punishable by a fine of up to B10,000. The penalty for the second one is up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to B9,000, or both.
For the period from Jan 1 through Aug 13, 2023, the national Thai Road Safety Committee (ThaiRSC) has recorded 92 deaths and 13,362 hospitalizations after road accidents in Phuket. The death toll is 53.3% higher than in 2022, the injury toll is 21.8% higher.