A British man has been arrested after a crashing a motorcycle into a senior doctor from a Bangkok Hospital, who volunteers to help regularly on Koh Phangan, at 20:30 on 23 May, leaving the victim seriously injured. Police on the island later found the suspect hiding on a tourist boat and a drug test reportedly detected cocaine.
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The incident involved Assistant Professor Dr Teerasak Kaewamtuang, 53, a respiratory and critical care specialist and former lecturer in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. He is currently a doctor at a Bangkok Hospital.
According to police, Dr Teerasak was struck by a motorcycle outside a furniture shop on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province. The rider fled the scene immediately after the collision, prompting an investigation by officers from Koh Phangan Police Station.
On May 24, investigators led by Pol Col Apichat Jansamret tracked the suspect through CCTV footage and arrested British national Duncan Wilcock while he was hiding aboard a tour boat. Police said the suspect later confessed to causing the crash.
After being taken into custody, the suspect underwent a drug test which showed the presence of cocaine, in his system. Police subsequently charged him with reckless driving causing serious injury, fleeing the scene of an accident, driving without a licence and drug use.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
Investigators are also examining a submarine tour boat business linked to the suspect to determine whether it may involve illegal nominee arrangements. Authorities said further legal action would follow based on the outcome of the investigation.
The Daily News reported the case has drawn attention because of the victim’s prominent medical background and the seriousness of his injuries. Police have not released further update details on Dr Teerasak’s condition.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 25 May 2026