Russian tourist dies after minibus collision in Phuket

2026-02-10 - 02:36

Russian tourist killed by minibus while crossing road in Phuket PHUKET — A Russian tourist was killed after being struck by a minibus while crossing a coastal road in Phuket, police said. The incident occurred at about 15:45 on 9 February 2026 outside the Almerol Hotel on the Beach Road in Karon subdistrict, Muang district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Aeksak Khwanwan, an investigating officer at Karon Police Station, said officers were alerted to a vehicle-pedestrian collision in which the victim was critically injured. At the scene, police found a minibus parked at the roadside. The driver, identified as Santichai Chatree, 38, was present. Emergency responders from the Karon municipality provided first aid to the injured pedestrian, later identified as Aleksandr Bondarenko, 39, a Russian national. Bondarenko was taken to Chalong Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. According to a preliminary investigation, the minibus was travelling along the road when the victim, who had been standing by the roadside with friends, suddenly attempted to cross. The driver was unable to stop in time and struck him, police said. Santichai was taken to Karon Police Station for questioning and underwent a breathalyser test, which showed no alcohol in his system. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the vehicle and nearby cameras. Authorities have notified the Russian embassy and said legal proceedings will continue in accordance with Thai law. The victim’s body will be released to relatives for religious rites.