Kazakhstani woman arrested after blocking Phuket road and crashing into motorcycle, van
Police said the 30-year-old Kazakhstani woman blocked traffic in Mai Khao before driving off and crashing into a motorcycle and a van, with two people injured.
A 30-year-old Kazakhstani woman was arrested after police said she blocked traffic on Thepkrasattri Road in Mai Khao and later crashed into a motorcycle and a van, injuring two people.
Police said the incident began on Saturday evening, June 20, at a U-turn on the northern stretches of Thepkrasattri Road, where the woman parked her car in the middle of the road with its hazard lights flashing and remained inside for more than 20 minutes. Videos and photos of the obstruction spread on social media as motorists became increasingly concerned.
Tha Chatchai Police Superintendent Col Khundej Na Nongkhai said officers first received a report at about 6:30pm of a sedan obstructing traffic at the Ko En curve in Mai Khao. Officers went to the scene and tried to speak with the driver, but she drove away before the situation was resolved.
Authorities coordinated with Thalang Police and other units to track the vehicle for nearly four hours before it crashed at the old Phuket Airport intersection, also in Mai Khao. Police identified the driver as Jamila Janell Jumagalieva, a Kazakhstani national, who was driving a silver MG sedan with Bangkok licence plates.
The MG collided with a motorcycle and a van, injuring two people, including Ms Jumagalieva. Both injured parties were taken to Thalang Hospital for treatment.
Investigators examined the crash scene, interviewed those involved and collected evidence. Police confirmed the woman faces a charge of reckless driving causing injury and property damage, while officers continue investigating the full circumstances.
Col Khundej said the latest incident escalated dangerously and requires strict legal action. Police are also assessing the extent of the damage and gathering statements from victims before deciding on any further action.
Sakhu Police Chief Col Salan Santisasanakul said the woman had allegedly been involved in a similar incident two days earlier. On the morning of June 18, she allegedly parked a Phuket-registered Mazda sedan at the entrance to the parking garage at Phuket International Airport, blocking vehicles from entering and leaving.
Police said officers spoke with her at that time and found she was suffering stress and emotional distress related to personal relationship problems. She remained locked inside the vehicle until officers calmed her and escorted her safely to Sakhu Police Station. Relevant agencies were notified to provide appropriate assistance.
Col Salan said authorities are examining her repeated behaviour alongside the criminal proceedings.
