A 29-year-old British boxer is in a coma after falling from a tuk-tuk outside his hotel in Phuket’s Patong district in the early hours of 15 June 2026. Colin Cairney was found unconscious on the road outside The Nature Hotel on Khalaim Beach, Phra Baramee Road, with severe head injuries, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoltham Foundation were alerted at around 04:10 to an injured man lying near a pedestrian crossing. Cairney was initially taken to Patong Hospital before being transferred to the intensive care unit at Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and hotel security records, which showed Cairney boarding a red tuk-tuk from an entertainment venue before returning to his hotel. A dispute reportedly arose over the fare because he did not have cash available. The driver agreed to wait while Cairney went to withdraw money from an ATM.
However, CCTV footage later showed the tuk-tuk passing the hotel at approximately 04:02 and travelling back towards Patong without stopping to drop off its passenger. Police said Cairney fell from the rear of the vehicle, striking his head on the road. The driver did not stop at the scene or provide assistance.
Police have stated that CCTV footage ruled out an assault and indicated that Cairney fell from the vehicle on his own. Blood samples have been collected for testing for alcohol and drugs, with results still pending. Investigators also noted that friends who arrived at the hospital appeared to be intoxicated.
Pol. Lt. Col. Surachat Thongya, deputy superintendent (investigation) at Patong Police Station, said officers have identified the owner of the tuk-tuk. The owner confirmed the vehicle belonged to him but had been rented to another individual who was using it as a taxi. Police are now attempting to locate the renter and bring the driver in for questioning.
The case has raised questions about the driver’s actions after the incident, particularly the failure to stop and assist an injured passenger. Authorities continue to gather evidence while monitoring Cairney’s condition.
Khaosod reported that should Cairney’s condition deteriorate fatally, police said the driver could face charges of negligent driving causing death, as well as failure to stop and render assistance and failure to notify authorities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 15 June 2026