An emergency air transfer was launched on 25 May after Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamtuang, a well-known medical lecturer, suffered critical injuries in a motorcycle crash on Koh Phangan involving a British man later found to have cocaine in his system.
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The crash left Dr Theerasak with severe brain injuries requiring urgent specialist surgery. At around 2.30pm, medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Samui and the doctor’s relatives coordinated with the Police Aviation Division of the Royal Thai Police to arrange an emergency flight to Bangkok.
Doctors said his condition was extremely critical and that he required advanced neurosurgery unavailable locally. He was transferred by ambulance from Bangkok Hospital Samui to Samui Airport before being moved onto a police aircraft standing by on the runway.
A medical team and nurses monitored Dr Theerasak throughout the journey as the aircraft departed for Bangkok. The destination was Ramathibodi Hospital, where the doctor works, with operating theatres, neurosurgeons and advanced medical equipment prepared in advance for his arrival.
The crash happened after British suspect Paul Duncan Wilcock, aged 51 from West Yorkshire, rode a motorcycle into Dr Theerasak before fleeing the scene. Police later confirmed that a drug test found cocaine in the suspect’s body.
Authorities have charged the British national with reckless driving causing serious injury, hit-and-run driving, driving without a licence and use of a Category 1 narcotic. Police Region 8 Commissioner Lieutenant General Sitthichai Lokanpai instructed Koh Phangan Police Station to pursue the case directly and firmly.
Investigators have also widened the inquiry to examine a tour boat business where the suspect allegedly hid after the crash. Police are checking whether the operation was linked to illegal nominee business practices or supported by influential foreign figures operating on the island.
The case has intensified scrutiny of foreign criminal activity on Koh Phangan, with senior police officers ordering further investigations into possible organised networks. Authorities said the wider crackdown aimed to dismantle foreign mafia-style operations and deliver justice for Dr Theerasak, who is widely recognised for his contributions to Thai society.
Khaosod reported that hospital officials in Bangkok are expected to provide updates on the doctor’s condition following surgery. Meanwhile, police investigations into both the crash and the suspect’s alleged business connections remain ongoing.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
Original story
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 26 May 2026