UPDATE
THE rider killed on Sunday was Loh Zhi Wei, 29. A third big bike rider - a British man - was killed on Phuket late Sunday night when his Yamaha 1000 failed to take a curve. (see separate article.)
Original Report
PHUKET: A Malaysian man was killed riding his motorcycle home from Phuket Bike Week on a notorious Phuket bend today.
The 29-year-old man is believed to be the second Malaysian to die on Thai roads going to and from the Phuket event within four days.
Initial reports said the man came off his big bike while taking the Ko Ean curve on Phuket's main north-south artery, Thepkasattri Road, about 10.30am.
The curve is notorious for crashes, but most usually it is larger vehicles travelling south that come to grief.
The rider from Malaysia was believed to be among a group heading home after one of the best-attended Phuket Bike Weeks yet.
It is believed that he was wearing a safety helmet but failed to take the curve, in the north-bound lanes.
Phuketwan has been given the man's name but it cannot be published until relatives have been notified. His body was taken south to Thalang Hospital, in central Phuket.
A second Malaysian biker, Hasal Muhammad Bin Yunus, 45, is reported to have been killed on his way to join Phuket Bike Week on Thursday.
He died on a curve in the province of Phattalung, south of Phuket, on the main highway when his Harley Davidson, in a convoy of 18 Harley-Davidson riders bound for Phuket, crashed and he was thrown off.
He was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene, according to local police.
Any death is a tragedy, the more so when it occurs as part of a large event. Phuket Bike Week attracts a lot of tourists to Phuket. Condolences to friends and family.
Whilst no reflection on this rider, I was not impressed by the behaviour of the Big Bikers - I happened to be caught up by a ride past near Phrom Thep yesterday. Many of the riders were not wearing helmets and many also had scant regard for other road users, lane markings, etc. A shame for what should be a demonstation to other road users of good riding practices.
Posted by Fred on April 21, 2013 12:38