Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police was notified of the accident at 2:20am.
Police along with rescue workers arrived at the scene, near Thai Watsadu on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound just north of the Heroines Monument, to find the grey Phuket-registered Toyota van with heavy damage to its front on the footpath near the power pole.
The van driver, Chaiyan Buppha, 35, told police that he was driving home after delivering “four rounds” of tourists when the accident occurred.
He was tired and fell asleep at the wheel, he said.
Capt Kraisorn noted that there were no skid marks behind the van before it hit the power pole.
The van and Mr Chaiyan were both taken to Thalang Police Station.
Mr Chaiyan was not subjected to an alcohol test, but was fined B500 for reckless driving, Capt Kraisorn confirmed.