Singaporean driver charged after hitting traffic police in Phuket

*A Singaporean driver is facing charges after crashing a pickup truck into plastic traffic barriers at a roundabout in Phuket yesterday, March 18, causing the barriers to strike a traffic police officer before leaving…*

Published: 2026-03-19 19:13 UTC Event date: 2026-03-19

Singaporean Driver Charged After Hitting Traffic Police at Phuket Roundabout

A Singaporean man has been charged after crashing a pickup truck into traffic barriers at a busy roundabout in Phuket on the morning of March 18, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30am at the Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Monument Roundabout on Thep Krasattri Road, resulting in a traffic police officer being struck by the displaced barriers. The driver left the scene, prompting a police investigation.

Details of the Phuket Traffic Incident

The crash was captured on video and widely shared on Thai social media. Footage showed a white Ford Ranger, driven by 44-year-old Singaporean national Tey Wee Keong Jonathan, colliding with eight plastic traffic barriers. The barriers then hit Police Senior Sergeant Major Chalermchai Sothong, aged 52, of Thalang Police Station, causing him to fall. Sergeant Chalermchai sustained minor injuries but was able to get back on his feet as the driver continued without stopping.

Investigation and Charges Filed

Phuket police traced the vehicle to its owner, Pornphit Jitpraphat, a Thai woman, and confirmed that her Singaporean son-in-law, Jonathan, was driving at the time. Jonathan later surrendered to police after being contacted by his mother-in-law. He told investigators he was driving from Katu sub-district to the family home in Sakhu sub-district and claimed he was unaware of the accident until informed by his mother-in-law.

Jonathan has been charged with reckless driving, causing injury, and failing to stop to provide assistance. Under Section 78 of Thailand’s Land Transport Act, these offenses carry penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine between 2,000 and 10,000 baht, or both.

Medical Examination and Ongoing Legal Process

Following his surrender, Tey Wee Keong Jonathan was taken to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for a medical examination to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants at the time of the crash. Phuket police stated that additional penalties would be imposed if intoxicants were detected in his system. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review evidence and await the results of the medical tests.

Context and Next Steps

This incident comes less than a year after a similar case in Bangkok, where a six-wheel truck fatally struck a traffic police officer at a red light in July 2025. The Phuket case highlights ongoing safety concerns for traffic officers across Thailand. Police are expected to release further updates once the medical examination results are available and as the legal proceedings against Jonathan move forward.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/singaporean-driver-charged-after-hitting-traffic-police-in-phuket