UPDATE: Khao Lak pickup driver charged over deaths of two German tourists
A Khao Lak pickup driver has been charged with three offences over the deaths of two German tourists, who police say he struck at a pedestrian crossing before fleeing.
Police in Khao Lak have charged a pickup driver with three offences over the deaths of two German tourists at a pedestrian crossing. Police said CCTV analysis indicates that the driver ran a red light, struck the pair and fled the scene before surrendering the following day.
The driver, identified by police only as 37-year-old Mr Weerapong, surrendered at Khao Lak Police Station on 3 October 2026, after the crash on the night of 2 October, and brought the pickup truck with him. Police seized the vehicle, which had front-end damage, as evidence.
Pol Maj Chokdee Saengmanee, inspector at Khao Lak Police Station, said CCTV analysis indicated that the pickup crossed a red light at the Khao Lak community pedestrian crossing on Phetkasem Road. The truck struck Wilbert Schwiers, 64, and Gabriela Gulden, 63, both German nationals, as they crossed from the central median towards a restaurant. Both died after being taken to Khao Lak Medical Centre following the crash.
Police charged Mr Weerapong with causing the death of another person through negligence; driving negligently or recklessly in a manner likely to endanger persons or property; and failing to stop, provide reasonable assistance, identify himself and immediately report the crash to officials, as required of a driver involved in a crash.
According to police, Mr Weerapong told investigators that he was returning from a medical appointment at Takua Pa Hospital and travelling towards Laem Kaen Subdistrict in Thai Mueang District. He declined to provide details about the reason for his hospital visit.
Police said Mr Weerapong reported seeing people standing on the central median and thought they were not going to cross. He failed to notice that the traffic light for his lane was red, while seeing a green light at the intersection on the opposite side, and mistakenly believed he could continue. Police said he then drove through the junction, struck the tourists and fled towards Thai Mueang without stopping or reporting the crash.
Initial police screening found no alcohol or drugs, but hospital blood and urine test results for alcohol levels and narcotics were still pending. Mr Weerapong remained in police custody while police awaited the results and considered whether additional charges should be filed.
The German Embassy was informed, and the bodies of Schwiers and Gulden were transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for autopsies. Police were coordinating with the couple’s relatives and the embassy on the next steps. The tourists had been staying at Le Menara Khao Lak Resort from 30 September 2026 and were scheduled to remain there until 9 October 2026.
A meeting at Takua Pa District Office on 5 October 2026 reviewed the fatal crash and discussed measures to prevent similar incidents. The meeting was chaired by Phang Nga Vice Governor Bancha Thanu-in, with Takua Pa District Chief Damrong Chimthap among the officials attending. The Takua Pa District Office said representatives from relevant agencies discussed improving road safety and restoring confidence among road users.
Phang Nga Governor Pairat Petchyuan ordered relevant agencies to accelerate coordination, closely monitor the case and pursue legal action against the driver to the fullest extent permitted by law. He also ordered officials to assist the victims’ families and coordinate with the German Embassy throughout the case.
“We expressed our condolences to the families and loved ones of Schwiers and Gulden following their deaths,” Mr Pairat said.
