AYUTTHAYA - An Australian cyclist was killed when hit by a motorcycle near the exit to a ring road in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred around 7.30am at the foot of Ayutthaya Ring Road leading to Rojana Industrial Park in tambon Khlong Suan Plu, said Pol Capt Pitthaya Sriruang, a deputy chief investigator at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya police station.
The 42-year-old victim, whose name was withheld pending notification of relatives, was wearing a cycling helmet and outfit. His body was on the road, near his bicycle, when police arrived.
The motorcyclist involved was Mongkholruek Klansaisuk, 28, a factory worker. He was waiting at the scene.
He told police he was travelling at normal speed down the Ring Road bridge to Rojana Road. The cyclist was in the left lane in front of him. As he was about to overtake, the cyclist suddenly fell off his bike and onto his motorcycle, causing him to crash.
He tried to help the man, but he died at the scene, Mr Mongkholruek said.
Police were not convinced he was telling the whole truth. He was initially charged with reckless driving causing death, and the investigation was continuing, Pol Capt Pitthaya said.
Police contacted the Australian's Thai wife in Phuket. She said her husband was a businessman, had lived in Thailand for at least 10 years and had been on a cycling tour of the country.
Police said she would collect his body.