British driver arrested over crashing into intersection barriers and fleeing scene
A British driver was arrested for crashing into road barriers in a drink driving incident in Thailand.
Asif Islam, 27, from London, was reportedly intoxicated as he navigated a roundabout in the Chalong area of holiday island Phuket.
CCTV footage shows the Brit ploughing through orange road barriers as he hurtled through the junction, speeding past shocked motorists on June 24.
He reportedly fled the scene in a white Toyota Fortuner before police gave chase.
Traffic cops intercepted his vehicle at a traffic light on Wiset Road, around five kilometres (three miles) from the scene.
He was taken to the local police station, where officers found he had exceeded the legal alcohol limit.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chakkrapong Petchrat of Chalong district station said: ‘After the incident, the driver accelerated and fled towards Wiset Road in Rawai Sub-district.
‘We later pursued and managed to intercept the vehicle at a traffic light before summoning the driver to Chalong Police Station for legal action.
‘There were no reports of injuries. A breathalyser test revealed an alcohol level of 184 milligrams per cent, which exceeds the legal limit.
‘We recorded his arrest and charged him with driving without regard for the safety or suffering of others.
‘Further investigation is underway to consider additional charges in accordance with the law.'
Thailand has one of the world's worst road safety records. Ministers have set the goal of reducing fatalities from 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people to 12 per 100,000 people by the year 2027.
However, a lack of road safety education in schools along with notoriously easy driving tests, police failures to enforce road laws, and chronic under-investment in infrastructure, all appear to hamper the efforts.
The island of Phuket's combination of idyllic beaches and colourful nightlife has seen it become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
However, the influx of tourists has caused a surge in violence, depravity and petty crime - with many locals now regretting throwing open the doors to boost the economy.
