A POPULAR expat resident is being mourned today by his Thai wife and four children after a fatal motorcycle tragedy last night.

Australian Rex Allen, 37, was killed as he took the bend at the Villa Santi corner in Kalim soon after midnight, Phuketwan has been told.

It is believed Mr Allen was struck by a FantaSea van after he fell.

He was heading home to Kamala from Patong, where he had been at one stage in the afternoon celebrating Australia Day at the Aussie Bar in Soi Bangla.

He was taken to Patong hospital then transferred to Vachira Hospital in Phuket City, where he died.

It is believed that his mother and a brother are flying in from Australia tomorrow to arrange for Mr Allen's funeral

A foundation is being established to provide for Mr Allen's wife, Khun Rut, young sons Matthew, 3, and Max, one, and two daughters.

Max has a congenital heart abnormality and has had several open-heart operations. Mr Allen was previously married and his wife died of breast cancer.

At one stage, he had been a golf professional on the Asian Tour.

People wishing to know more about the foundation should email Rob Gregory at rgreg@loxinfo.co.th