PHUKET – June 11, 2025 — A 21-year-old British tourist sustained only minor injuries after his motorbike veered off the road and plunged into a canal behind Patong Hospital on June 10. Quick action by local rescue workers helped prevent a more serious outcome.
The incident occurred on Sai Nam Yen Road, a busy street in the heart of Patong, a popular beach destination on the island of Phuket. Emergency teams from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation’s Patong unit responded swiftly after receiving an alert about the accident.
According to reports, the tourist lost control of his motorbike and ended up in the narrow canal that runs parallel to the road. His vehicle, which still displayed red license plates typically issued for new or temporary vehicles in Thailand, was partially submerged when rescuers arrived.
“Rescue workers quickly secured the motorbike with a sling and pulled both the bike and the rider out of the canal,” a spokesperson for the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation said.
While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, local media and bystanders suggested that the rider may have missed a small bridge or access point along the road, leading him to accidentally drive into the canal.
“It’s possible that the tourist lost control of his bike and veered into the water,” one witness told The Phuket News.
Phuket’s roadways, particularly in Patong, can be challenging for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Narrow lanes, sharp turns, and canals running alongside roads are common features in many Thai cities. These local infrastructure quirks can be hazardous, especially for tourists unaccustomed to the traffic conditions or signage.
Fortunately, the tourist did not sustain serious injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. The swift response of the Kusoldharm rescue team was key in ensuring his safety.
This incident serves as a reminder for travellers to exercise extra caution when navigating unfamiliar roads, especially on motorbikes, which are a common but sometimes risky mode of transport in Thailand.
