British Driver Arrested for Drunk Driving After Crash at Phuket Intersection

A British tourist has been charged with drunk driving after crashing his SUV into traffic barriers at one of Phuket’s busiest intersections, prompting renewed concerns over road safety on the island.

The incident occurred at Chalong Intersection, where CCTV footage and videos shared on social media showed a white Toyota Fortuner travelling at high speed before ploughing into several plastic traffic barriers surrounding the clock tower in the middle of the junction.

According to police, the driver failed to stop after the collision despite traffic officers being stationed at the intersection. Officers immediately pursued the vehicle and eventually intercepted it at Suksan Song Intersection in Rawai.

Police identified the driver as a 28-year-old British national who was travelling with two foreign passengers. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

A breath alcohol test revealed that the driver had an alcohol level of 184 milligrams per cent, well above Thailand’s legal limit of 50 milligrams per cent. He was subsequently charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Chalong Police Station confirmed that the suspect would be transferred to Phuket Provincial Court for temporary detention while legal proceedings continue.

Authorities also stated that additional charges could be filed once officials from the Phuket Highway District formally report the damage caused to the traffic barriers.

The incident has reignited online debate about dangerous driving and traffic law enforcement in Phuket, particularly in cases involving foreign motorists.

The discussion comes shortly after another widely reported traffic incident involving a 30-year-old Kazakh woman. She allegedly caused traffic disruptions by repeatedly blocking roads and driving in circles at an intersection before later crashing into a van and a motorcycle near Old Airport Intersection. Both she and the Thai motorcyclist sustained injuries.

According to Thai media, investigators believe the woman's behaviour may have been linked to emotional distress stemming from personal relationship issues. Police are continuing their investigation into that case.