AN IRISH tourist has died after he was allegedly hit by an out-of-control car while crossing a street in Thailand.
The 54-year-old was struck by a black Ford Everest SUV as he crossed the road in Phang Nga province, 500 miles south of Bangkok, yesterday.
The holidaymaker was reportedly sent flying 60ft through the air following the collision, near the Sangsawan Resort, in Phet Kasem.
Police were called to the scene at around 9pm to find the man unconscious in the road, with his black flipflops strewn on the pavement.
The SUV driver had remained at the scene, alongside the damaged SUV, and is cooperating with police in their investigation.
The Irishman was rushed to the Khao Lak Medical Centre, but was declared dead at 9:40pm after reportedly suffering a broken neck.
Khao Lak Police Captain Noppawat Engtheaw, said: “Doctors believe he was killed due to a broken neck.
“It has been accepted for investigation as a traffic case and an autopsy case, and we will proceed further.”
Police have yet to confirm whether the SUV driver will be charged in relation to the incident.
Khao Lak officers have, however, reported it to the Phang Nga Provincial Police, describing the incident as “serious and shocking”.
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, efforts to achieve this have been hampered by 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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
A spokesperson said: “As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”
