British driver arrested after alleged drink-driving crash at Chalong Circle

A British man was arrested after allegedly crashing into traffic barriers and cones while driving recklessly at Chalong Circle in Phuket on Tuesday morning, police said.

Traffic police from Chalong Police Station were directing vehicles during the morning rush hour at about 9:15am when they spotted a white Toyota being driven recklessly. According to police, the vehicle entered the roundabout from Patak Road and struck barriers and cones, causing damage, before continuing south towards Rawai along Wiset Road.

Officers gave chase and intercepted the vehicle at the Suksan 2 traffic light intersection. The driver was detained and taken to Chalong Police Station for questioning.

Police identified the driver only as Mr Islam, a British national. A breathalyser test recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 184 milligrams percent, or 0.184% BAC, which police said was above Thailand’s legal limit.

Mr Islam was arrested and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Police said investigators are continuing their inquiry and are preparing the appropriate charges in connection with the crash and alleged drink-driving offence.

The incident took place at Chalong Circle, one of Phuket’s busiest traffic junctions, during the peak morning commute.