Woman Killed in Phuket Crash After Exhausted Ride-Hailing Driver Falls Asleep

A fatal road accident occurred in Phuket’s Thalang district on the first day of the Songkran “Seven Dangerous Days,” after a ride-hailing driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel.

According to police, the crash took place early Friday morning on the Pa Khlok–Monument Road, near the Pa Khlok U-turn area. Emergency responders arriving at the scene found multiple damaged motorcycles and a white Suzuki Swift with Phuket license plates. Several bikes had been knocked over as a result of the collision.

The driver, identified only as Ms. Saijai, told authorities she had been working non-stop, driving passengers both day and night. After completing a trip to Phuket Airport, she was heading home when she briefly lost consciousness, causing her vehicle to veer off and crash into parked motorcycles and a roadside structure.

One of the victims, Ms. Rujirada, sustained extremely severe injuries, including the loss of her left leg. She was urgently transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital in critical condition. However, her daughter later confirmed that she had died from her injuries, describing the loss as sudden and devastating for the family.

Police have documented the incident and are continuing legal proceedings against the driver. The case highlights ongoing concerns about driver fatigue and road safety, especially during the high-risk Songkran holiday period.