A motorcyclist living in Stevenage who died in a crash on the A1(M) two weeks ago has been described as a ‘ray of sunshine’ by one of his friends.

Vichai Tonpradit was killed after a collision involving his motorbike, a lorry and a car at the northbound exit slip road of Junction 6 for Welwyn at 7.30pm on November 10.

The 53-year-old – who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene – was living with friends in Stevenage and had been based in Hertfordshire for more than 10 years, having arrived in England from Thailand in 2003.

Vichai – originally from Nakhon Sawan, a city north of Bangkok – had been planning a trip back to the country of his birth to attend the wedding of a close family member at the time of the fatal crash.

While in England he worked for many Herts pubs and restaurants as a chef, and was also a barman at The Station Hotel in Knebworth and The Doctor’s Tonic in Welwyn Garden City.

At one point he was also employed as a cleaner for Hertfordshire Constabulary working in the force control room and Stevenage Police Station, and was a popular figure among officers and staff.

Paying tribute to him, friend Paul Thompson from Stevenage said: “Vichai was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He would do anything for anyone and was always cheerful and positive.

“He was known my many local people socially and through his work. He always brought a ray of sunshine wherever he went. We are going to miss him hugely.”

Vichai’s funeral takes place on Friday at Harwood Park Crematorium, before his remains will be repatriated back to Thailand.

An investigation into the cause of the fatal collision is being led by specialist road traffic investigators and anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency number 101 and quote ISR 677 of November 10.