UPDATE: The Phuket Info Center later reported that the tuk-tuk driver, named only as ‘Mr Eklak’ (family name withheld), 37, had later presented himself at Patong Hospital to check on his victim and then presented himself at Patong Police Station.
The incident happened in front of the Aspery Hotel on Haad Patong Rd at about 7:46pm, when the tuk-tuk Mr Eklak was driving struck 38-year-old Saudi Arabia national “Alotaibi, Meshari Midad N”.
Mr Eklak, a resident of Patong, was returnnig from a resort on Thaweewong Rd when the accident happened. He tested negative for alcohol, but remains at Patong Police Station pending charges, the Phuket Info Center reported.
ORIGINAL STORY CONTINUES:
The hit-and-run occurred at 7:45pm last night (Sept 13), reported the Phuket Info Center.
A video featured in the post showed the tourist walking along the footpath with friends.
While walking alongside his friends, the tourist stepped one foot onto the road and was struck by the tuk-tuk, sending him barrelling down the road, coming to a stop more than 10 metres from where he was struck.
Before hitting the tourist, the tuk-tuk had drifted very close to the side of the road. After hitting the tourist, the tuk-tuk did not slow down or stop. Instead, it continued down the road.
“Come out and take responsibility for your driving,” said the post. “Hit and run.”
“The injured person was bleeding from his mouth and ears. Luckily, the tourists together helped him before the ambulance arrived.” the post continued.
In a separate incident, Phuket Tourist Police reported providing assistance to an Australian tourist, who was also struck by a car in Patong last night.
Responding to the incident were Phuket Tourist Police on patrol from Bangla Rd, joined by foreign volunteers.
The name of the tourist and the extent of his injuries were not reported.
In this incident the driver of the small car stopped immediately at the scene.