Doctor in coma after being hit by intoxicated British motorcyclist dies

A Thai doctor, who ended up in a coma after suffering severe brain injuries when he was struck by a motorcycle, allegedly driven by an intoxicated British man on Pha-ngan Island in Surat Thani province last month, has died, according to Vimut Hospital on Phahonyothin Road in Bangkok.

Dr Theerasuk Kawamatawong was a specialist in respiratory disease and critical care medicine at the hospital. Throughout his career, the 53-year-old doctor carried out his duties with dedication and commitment, the hospital said.

A water-pouring ceremony for Dr. Theerasuk was held today in the Sutthai Room of Ramathibodi Hospital, where he received treatment after the accident. His body will be transported to Ubon Ratchathani province for further funeral rites.

Police on Pha-ngan Island detained the British national who allegedly struck Dr. Theerasuk with his motorcycle on May 23rd, causing critical brain injuries.

Police, who rushed to the scene, found no sign of the suspect while the doctor was taken to a nearby hospital.

Dr Theerasuk had been walking on the pavement when he was hit. He suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, remained unconscious and unresponsive following the collision and was airlifted to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok for treatment.

Subsequent laboratory tests showed that the suspect, identified only as ‘Willcock’, was heavily intoxicated at the time and had drugs, including cocaine, in his system.

Investigators later reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect as a 51-year-old British man. He was arrested at a ferry pier while preparing to leave the area.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted hitting the doctor with his motorcycle before fleeing the scene. Police seized the vehicle as evidence.

He was charged with multiple offences, including reckless driving causing serious injury, failing to stop and render assistance after causing injury, driving without a licence and illegal cocaine use.

Further investigation found that the suspect had entered Thailand on a Non-Immigrant B visa, valid until Dec 25th, and owned a tour boat business near Wok Tum Beach on Pha-ngan Island.

Police said CCTV footage showed the suspect buying two cans of alcohol from a supermarket about 17 minutes before the crash, approximately 1.4 kilometres from the scene. He was allegedly seen drinking from them before riding away on the motorcycle.

Witnesses said the suspect shouted aggressively after the collision and appeared heavily intoxicated.

Police say that he possesses neither a Thai driving licence nor an international driving permit and carried only a UK driving licence. In addition, the motorcycle's annual tax had expired in early 2025 and the vehicle lacked compulsory insurance coverage.