SURAT THANI — An elderly French woman died on Koh Samui early Saturday after she was hit by a speeding motorcycle while crossing a road.
The accident occurred on a road in front of the Supoj electrical goods store at Moo 1 village in Bophut sub-district of Samui district at 12.30am.
A police investigation found the 68-year-old tourist was crossing the road to return to her hotel after eating at a nearby restaurant when she was struck by a red Honda CBR300, killing her instantly.
The driver of the newly purchased "red plate" motorcycle was identified Jettipan Yodsoi, 19. Police said witnesses told them that the bike skidded along the road surface for another 20 metres after the crash. The driver was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Witnesses said the spot where the accident took place was not well lighted and the motorcyclist was driving at high speed. Mr Jittipan's family reportedly runs a major auto seat cushion business on the southern tourist island.
Police said he would be charged with reckless driving causing death.