A 51-year-old British businessman has been arrested in Thailand following an alleged hit-and-run incident that occurred while he was under the influence of cocaine, leaving a doctor fighting for his life.
Incident Details
The man is accused of driving a motorcycle into Dr. Theerasuk Kawamatawong, a respected pulmonary and critical care specialist, as he walked along the roadside on May 23. CCTV footage shared online purportedly shows the Briton racing down a dark stretch of road on the island of Koh Phangan before colliding with the doctor, sending him flying through the air. The driver then fled the scene as horrified bystanders rushed to assist the injured physician.
Victim's Condition
Dr. Theerasuk was initially rushed to Koh Phangan Hospital for emergency treatment and has since been placed in an induced coma at Bangkok Hospital Samui. He suffered bleeding in the brainstem and significant brain swelling, leaving him in a critical condition.
Arrest and Charges
The British man was reportedly arrested while on a tour boat moored at Wak Tum Pier on the coast of Koh Phangan. He was found with visible abrasions and allegedly admitted to being the rider of the motorcycle. However, he claimed that the road was too dark to see pedestrians. Local police stated that he tested positive for cocaine and was riding the motorbike without a valid license.
He faces charges including reckless driving causing serious injury, failing to stop after a collision, and failing to report an accident. Authorities confirmed that he is in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Category-B business visa valid until December 25. They are also investigating his businesses, including one that offers private boat rides between islands.
Community Response
Local media reported that Dr. Theerasuk spent his free time providing free volunteer medical work to communities on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
