7-7-2024 (PHUKET) In a bizarre turn of events that unfolded on the picturesque island of Phuket, a foreigner found themselves embroiled in a chaotic scenario involving a stolen van and a subsequent collision. The incident, which occurred on a road leading to the famed Patong beach in Kathu district, has left local authorities puzzled and prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the theft and the ensuing accident.
The dramatic chain of events began to unfold around 9 pm on Saturday, when reports of a collision between two vans reached the authorities. Upon arrival at the scene, Pol Lt Pongpipat Khamchompoo, deputy superintendent at Patong police station, encountered a peculiar sight – a van bearing Songkhla registration plates, driven by an unidentified foreigner, had collided with another van registered in Phuket.
While both drivers sustained minor injuries, the circumstances leading up to the accident were shrouded in mystery. Initial investigations by law enforcement officials revealed a curious twist – the foreigner had allegedly stolen the Songkhla-registered van from an unsuspecting driver who had momentarily stepped away, leaving the vehicle parked with the engine idling.
According to the accounts provided to the authorities, the foreigner had emerged from a hospital and stumbled upon the unattended van, its engine humming invitingly. Seizing the opportunity, the individual reportedly hopped into the driver’s seat and set off on an unauthorized joyride, heading towards the alluring coastal stretch of Patong.
However, the impromptu adventure took a harrowing turn when the stolen van collided with another vehicle on the winding hill road leading to the popular beach destination. The impact left both drivers nursing minor injuries, but the circumstances surrounding the theft and subsequent crash raised a multitude of questions.
The owner of the stolen van, identified only as Tiva, recounted to the investigating officers that he had left the keys in the ignition and the engine running while he stepped out to purchase durian from a roadside stall. Expecting to return within a matter of moments, Tiva’s brief errand took an unexpected turn when the foreigner allegedly seized the opportunity to commandeer the unattended vehicle.
