A 51-year-old British man has been remanded in custody after riding a motorcycle into a senior doctor on Koh Phangan, leaving the victim seriously injured. Police on Koh Phangan submitted a detention request to Koh Samui Provincial Court on 26 May 2026 and strongly opposed bail, citing concerns the suspect could flee Thailand.
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The suspect, identified as Mr Wilcox, was transferred by investigators from Koh Phangan Police Station at 8.30am via Nathon Pier in Surat Thani province. He faces allegations linked to a hit-and-run crash on the Koh Phangan Hospital-Thong Sala road in Moo 1, Koh Phangan, on the night of 23 May.
The injured victim was named as Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamtuang, 53, a lecturer in respiratory medicine and critical care. He suffered serious injuries in the collision after allegedly being struck while walking along the road.
Police said their investigation uncovered CCTV footage showing Mr Wilcox purchasing two cans of alcohol from a supermarket at around 8.30pm, approximately 17 minutes before the crash. The shop was located about 1.4 kilometres from the scene and officers alleged he drank while walking back to his parked motorcycle before riding away.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly told investigators the suspect was shouting loudly after the collision and appeared heavily intoxicated. Medical tests, a day later, confirmed the presence of a Category 2 narcotic substance, identified as cocaine, in his body.
Investigators also stated the suspect did not hold a Thai or international driving licence and possessed only a UK driving licence. The motorcycle involved had allegedly not had its annual tax renewed since early 2025 and was reportedly uninsured under Thailand’s compulsory motor insurance scheme.
Police filed seven charges against Mr Wilcox, including reckless driving causing serious injury, fleeing the scene without assisting the victim, driving without a licence, using an untaxed vehicle, using a vehicle without compulsory insurance, cocaine use and drink-driving causing serious injury.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
During questioning, the suspect denied two allegations: fleeing the scene without assisting the injured victim and drink-driving causing serious injury. The remaining charges were acknowledged as part of the investigation process.
Authorities said bail was opposed because the offences carry severe penalties and the suspect, as a foreign national without a permanent address in Thailand, could abscond. Police added that updates had been regularly provided to the victim’s family.
Khaosod reported that investigators are also preparing to examine a company reportedly linked to the suspect to determine whether it was operating legally under Thai law. Officers said they would investigate possible nominee shareholding arrangements involving Thai nationals allegedly used to conceal foreign business ownership on Koh Phangan.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 27 May 2026
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