UPDATE
The American killed in a Phuket motorcycle crash is Simon Ashley. He was carrying an Australian driver's licence. Relatives have been notified.
Original Report
PHUKET: An American man was killed in a motorcycle crash on a notorious stretch of Phuket's holiday west coast road early today.
A bouquet of red roses was found near his body.
Phuket police said the 33-year-old man, who was carrying an Australian driver's licence with a Melbourne address, lost control of the small black Yamaha bike while riding between Patong and Karon about 2.15am.
Initial reports say the crash occurred on a bend near the Le Meridien Beach Resort Phuket, where several previous fatalities have been recorded.
Police believe the man may have been on his way to visit a girlfriend to give her the roses for Chinese New Year or Valentine's Day. No motorcycle helmet was found.
Although the number of tourists and expat residents who die or are maimed on Phuket's roads on motorcycles is of increasing concern, no monthly updates on Phuket's road toll have been released since April last year.
Road toll statistics for Phuket for 2012 have also not been released.
The man's body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City. American envoys have been informed and Australian envoys were helping.
It's believed the man has at least one close relative living in Australia. Phuketwan has been given a name but will not publish it until relatives have been informed.
In an unusual mishap last week, two wheels came off a 10-wheel truck as it sped down Phuket's main north-south artery, Thepkasattri Road.
One of the wheels hit a Russian visitor riding a motorcycle in the opposite direction. Alexey Balabko, 26, was knocked out as the wheel crossed the median strip and collided with his bike.
Mr Balabko was still in a coma in the intensive care unit at Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket City today.
Phuket police have charged the driver of the truck, Surachai Kladkaw, 36, with dangerous driving and with driving a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition.
Officers from Phuket's Thalang Police Station are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which occurred at 2.30pm on February 6.
I wonder just how many tourists have died since the Jan 1 - always seem to be reading about a foreign person dying.
ED - would you know off hand how many tourists/expats you have reported to have died since new year ?
Posted by Ciaran on February 11, 2013 12:11
Editor Comment:
Sadly, needless deaths occur everywhere. There is no discernable increase in deaths among tourists/expats on Phuket, if that's your concern, although more official statistics would provide useful confirmation of that assessment. Unexpected and unusual deaths are reported around the world. Chicago, for example, had 42 gun murders in January. Rest assured that people will continue to die, Ciaran.