Drunk Driver Kills Two in Phuket Pickup Crash

A pickup truck driven by a drunk Myanmar national crashed into several motorcycles on the road leading to Ton Sai Waterfall in Thalang district, Phuket, yesterday evening, killing two people and injuring three others. The driver, Aung Min Oo, 42, tested at 239 mg% blood alcohol content and has been detained for legal proceedings on charges of drunk driving causing death.

Thalang Hospital confirmed that the two fatalities were Thanavichon, 24, and Mariam, 45. Police are gathering evidence to prosecute the driver. The pickup belonged to a Thai employer and carried third-party insurance; the employer has offered 100,000 baht per victim to the families as initial assistance. Thanavichon's body was cremated at Thep Krasatri Temple in Thalang, while Mariam's was returned to her family in Kuraburi district, Phang Nga, for Islamic funeral rites.

At the temple, colleagues and friends continuously paid their respects to the young man. Thanavichon's 54-year-old mother, Chirawan, spoke through tears, saying she was shocked by the news and unable to watch footage of the incident. She described her son as hardworking, responsible, and well-liked wherever he worked—first at Laguna before seeking more stable employment. He was the family's sole support after his father's death, sending money home monthly.

"My son was grateful, a good person, never caused trouble with anyone," Chirawan said tearfully. "I can't accept that we've lost him this way. If possible, I want to tell everyone: don't drive drunk. When an accident happens, it's the families left behind who suffer a lifetime of pain." Police have pledged to pursue the case vigorously to ensure justice for the victims and those affected by this tragedy.