Tragic moment Aussie surfing figure killed in Thailand accident

A well-known Australian surfboard designer was killed after hitting an electric post in a tragic motorcycle crash in Thailand.

Businessman Kym Thompson smashed into the pole while avoiding a truck turning at a junction in Chonburi province on November 1.

CCTV shows how Kym was flung from his vehicle and skidded along the road.

Rescuers said the entrepreneur had died at the scene having suffered a broken neck, arms, and legs in the accident.

His motorbike was found near the site with its bodywork severely damaged.

Katawut Tangkaew, an eyewitness, said: "He was dodging the trailer at the intersection. The motorcycle was driving travelling fast."

Kym, from Torquay, Victoria, had set up the iconic surf brand Water Cooled in the 1970s before moving to Thailand, where he worked with local brand Cobra to manufacture surfboards.

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The company said in a statement: "Kym was one of the Cobra Core Team members. He came to Cobra with his Water Cooled brand from Australia back in the 80's with the dream of shaping amazing boards and developing a mass-production solution for the surfboard industry.

"Kym achieved these goals and so many more along the way, a true industry legend that will be missed by many. Our condolences to the entire Thompson Clan."

Kym designed and manufactured his surfboards which were sold in a number of shops in Australia and Thailand.

According to the website Rare Surf Tees, Kym started surfing in the 1960's and was a junior state champion who had been shaping boards since he was 15.

Australscope

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