Crime
Canadian Family Raising Funds to Pay for Son’s Scooter Accident
Canadian Jason Hoffman 32
PHUKET – Just four hours after Canadian Jason Hoffman arrived in Phuket, Thailand in mid-April, he was involved in a serious scooter accident.
Canadian Jason Hoffman, broke his leg and smashed his head in the crash. He later learned one of the three Thai nationals on the other scooter died, with the other two being sent to hospital.
Many of the details of the accident are still unknown to Hoffman and his family, according to older brother Clinton Hoffman. Jason only remembers getting on a scooter, getting into a collision and waking up in hospital.
According to the Phuketwan, Police said Jason Hoffman, 32, recorded an alcohol level of 0.195 after the collision in which Pranee Pitaksaktamrong, 18, was killed instantly, Wiyada Rodpradit, 17, suffered severe injuries as did Krisada Hemprom, 21.
”He and a friend were heading back from Phuket Town to Patong on two motorcycles when they turned into Vichitsongkram Road at the lights in central Kathu district,” the lieutenant said.
”Mr Hoffman crossed over to the wrong side of the road when taking a curve approaching Wat Kathu and the Tong Yung Su Shrine.
”He collided with the motorcycle carrying the three young people. Khun Pranee was killed on the spot.”
Jason was charged with drink-driving and causing a death. The Phuket Provincial Court has granted bail.
”Negotiations have been taking place about compensation,” Lieutenant Kanan said.
Wiyada’s family was seeking 300,000 baht initially and now the agreed figure for her is 150,000 baht. For Krisada family, the amount has been reduced from 250,000 baht to 100,000 baht.”
Jason spent a few days convalescing in the hospital, where doctors operated on his leg, inserting a steel rod to stabilize his fractured femur. Then, Thai police showed up and transported him to prison.
The family contacted The Department of Foreign Affairs, asking them to get involved in the case.
The family held a private fundraiser to get the money together, and Clinton is currently selling off some of his brother’s possessions and some of his own. “My brother literally has nothing to his name,” says Clinton. The family has also set up a crowdfunding site and Jason says it’s important to them to properly compensate the victims.
“This is a terrible tragedy and while we do not feel it is right to put a price on such a awful thing or a life, we are banding together as a family to help raise the money,” it reads.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that they are aware of a Canadian injured in Thailand and are in contact with the family, providing consular assistance.
