PHUKET: A policeman is recovering in a Phuket hospital after being struck by a student on a motorcycle today.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, faces three charges.

About 7.35am the boy tried to evade one policeman, who waved him to halt for a helmet and licence check, and accelerated instead into the second policeman, Sublieutenant Jakkapong Korsawat.

The boy was quickly arrested at the scene in Nakorn Road, Phuket City, which runs between Thepkasattri Road and Yaowarat Road.

He was allowed to go home with his parents and will face three charges: dangerous riding; riding without due caution resulting in an injury; and having no motorcycle licence. He was also not wearing a helmet.

The policeman, who is married, was recovering this evening in Vachira Phuket Hospital and is expected to be discharged soon.

Several years ago, police in Phuket City created MoUs with local schools that meant that students lost points if they were caught entering or leaving school grounds without a helmet. Students would be penalised in class for unsafe behavior.

The good idea seems to have been allowed to fail the grade.