PATONG HILL, Phuket's most remarkable protuberance, appears to win more battles than it loses.

This truck bound for Patong from Phuket City on Friday did not quite make it to the temple at the top, where many fortunate drivers toot the horn three times to celebrate before beginning the descent.

It appears that the truck ran out of steam and slid back into the roadside barrier, crashing through almost to the point where it continued on down the hillside slope.

It happened at a spot on the ascent where, over the years, spillage from concrete trucks has been dropped as a sign that, like the Little Engine That Could, vehicles begin to say ''I think I can, I think I can . . . .''.

For some, though, it's inevitably an idle boast.

The driver of the truck sat in the cabin of the vehicle, presumably to retain balance, while his travelling companion went up and out over to readjust the load, which was in danger of slipping off.

Fortunately, this particular incident took place in dry weather, and at a curve where it was relatively easy for other travellers to make their way around the scene.

At least one of the billboards that spring up periodically, promoting the virtues of a tunnel under Patong Hill, has appeared on the road between Patong and Kalim.

If such a tunnel ever does come, it will be too late for this particular truck, and probably for scores of others, too.


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