Driver charged after fatal pharmacy crash near Phuket airport

A 41-year-old driver has been charged with negligent driving causing death and property damage after his car crashed into a pharmacy in Sakhu, near Phuket International Airport, killing a pedestrian.

Sakhu Police Chief Col Salan Santisasanakul identified the driver as Samrit Yangkhruea. The crash occurred at about 9am on Sept 23 in front of the Health Express pharmacy in Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang.

Police said Mr Samrit’s grey MG sedan, registered in Bangkok, broke through the pharmacy’s glass storefront and damaged the front and interior of the premises. Thanaphak Thanwan, 58, was killed at the scene. Another pedestrian, Kitti Phuet-sen, 33, was injured and taken to Thalang Hospital.

Col Salan said police found no traces of drugs or alcohol in the driver’s system. During questioning, Mr Samrit reportedly told police that he suddenly lost consciousness while driving and only became aware of what had happened after the collision. Police also found that he had an underlying medical condition, but Col Salan did not provide further details.

The vehicle was impounded at Sakhu Police Station for forensic examination. Compensation totalling B1.1 million has been provided, with B500,000 paid by the driver and B600,000 covered by insurance, according to Col Salan.

Mr Samrit has been released on bail. Police are preparing the case file for submission to the public prosecutor for further legal proceedings.