54 year old Swede dodges traffic in Thepkasattri Road, Phuket | Thaiger

*PHUKET: Achadtaya Chuenniran A 54 year old Swedish tourist is now in custody after running around Thepkasattri road yesterday morning dodging cars and causing traffic mayhem. Luckily no cars came in…*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:44 UTC Event date: developing

A Swedish tourist was taken into custody after causing a traffic disruption on Thepkasattri Road in Phuket’s Thalang district in the early hours of yesterday morning. The 54-year-old man was seen running in and out of traffic at approximately 2:30am, prompting police to temporarily close the main thoroughfare for about 20 to 30 minutes while they safely apprehended him.

Video footage from the scene showed the tourist dodging moving vehicles, creating a hazardous situation for both himself and motorists. Fortunately, no collisions or injuries were reported during the incident. Authorities described the man as “mentally ill” and stated that the motive for his actions remains unclear at this time.

Local police responded quickly, shutting down a stretch of the busy road to prevent potential accidents. The closure led to brief delays for late-night drivers, including residents and tourists traveling between Phuket Town and the northern parts of the island. The incident highlights the importance of emergency response readiness on one of Phuket’s primary transport arteries, which serves as a vital link for both locals and visitors.

After being apprehended without injury, the Swedish national was initially taken to Thalang Hospital for evaluation. He was later transferred to Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town, where he is currently receiving care in the psychiatric ward. Police confirmed that the man’s visa had expired on the same day as the incident, and local Swedish consular officials have been contacted to assist in reaching his family and assessing his travel situation.

The disruption on Thepkasattri Road underscores the challenges authorities face in managing unexpected events that can impact public safety and the flow of traffic on the island. For residents and tourists alike, such incidents can cause inconvenience and highlight the need for vigilance on Phuket’s roads, particularly during late-night hours when emergency services may be less visible.

Police continue to monitor the situation and are working with hospital staff and consular representatives to determine the next steps in the case. As Phuket remains a popular destination for international visitors, local officials emphasize the importance of cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare providers, and foreign embassies to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals on the island. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the tourist’s condition and any further action by authorities.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/54-year-old-swede-dodges-traffic-in-thepkasattri-road-phuket