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Doctor Dies After Brit Rider Crash on Phangan

Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong, known as “Ajarn Mor Ton”, has died after suffering critical injuries in a road collision on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. The respected respiratory and critical care specialist was struck while walking along a roadside by a motorcycle ridden by British national Duncan Wilcock, 51, who police said tested positive for cocaine after being located.

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The incident left Dr Theerasak with severe injuries, including bleeding on the brain. Following the collision, he was urgently transferred by air to Bangkok for specialist treatment and underwent brain surgery at Ramathibodi Hospital due to his critical condition.

Police investigations led to Wilcock being charged with seven offences. These include reckless driving causing serious injury, driving after consuming alcohol or narcotics, driving without a licence or insurance and failing to stop after the collision. Officers at Koh Phangan Police Station also opposed bail after alleging that the suspect had attempted to flee Thailand.

On 7 June 2026, the Facebook page of Vimut Hospital Phaholyothin announced that Dr Theerasak had passed away. The hospital published a message expressing condolences and paying tribute to his dedication and service throughout his medical career.

The statement read: “We express our condolences and mourn the passing of Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong. Throughout his service, he worked with determination and dedication. His contributions will remain remembered and stay in our memories forever. We extend our deepest sympathies and wish for his soul to rest in peace.”

Dr Theerasak was a specialist in respiratory diseases and critical care medicine at the Lung Health Centre. His death has prompted widespread expressions of sympathy from colleagues, patients and members of the medical community.

Khaosod reported that the case is to continue through the Thai legal system. Authorities have already submitted the suspect to the court for detention while criminal proceedings move forward. The death of Dr Theerasak may also have implications for additional charges being considered by prosecutors as investigations continue.

IMG_4061.jpeg

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Related stories

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British-rider-held-after-hit-run-on-Phangan

Doctor-airlifted-to-bangkok-after-Brits-crash

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SAFETY FIRST Star Member

SAFETY FIRST

Advanced Member
4 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

British national Duncan Wilcock, 51

Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong, known as “Ajarn Mor Ton”, has died

What an idiot, driving/riding under the influence etc. Had a business, now it's all gone.

Why do so many foreigners come here and never grow up?

So sad, sorry for the late doctors family and friends 😢

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What an idiot, driving/riding under the influence etc. Had a business, now it's all gone.

Why do so many foreigners come here and relive their adolescents, some never grow up?

So sad, sorry for the late doctors family and friends 😢

How do you know he was under the influence at the time of the incident ?

SAFETY FIRST Star Member

SAFETY FIRST

Advanced Member
1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

How do you know he was under the influence at the time of the incident ?

He was tested positive after the accident.

Were you there, maybe you can shed some light on the testing

Did he take the drugs prior or after the accident.

I reckon it was prior.

But if you were there with him, let us all know so we all know what really happened.

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
2 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Yes, he was tested positive after the accident.

Yes, the day AFTER the accident.

phil2407 Silver Member

phil2407

Advanced Member

Let's see if he gets treated as leniently as the Thai cop on the superbike that killed a doctor on a zebra crossing!

RIP Doc

Captain Flack Star Member

Captain Flack

Global Moderator

Off topic post removed @Rams86 this has nothing to do with the red bull case.

richard_smith237 Star Member

richard_smith237

Advanced Member
42 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:
44 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

How do you know he was under the influence at the time of the incident ?

He was tested positive after the accident.

Were you there, maybe you can shed some light on the testing

Did he take the drugs prior or after the accident.

I reckon it was prior.

But if you were there with him, let us all know so we all know what really happened.

As the Brit fled the scene and was not apprehended until the following day, there is no legal proof that he was under the influence at the time of the incident. Plausible doubt remains. He could, in theory, have taken cocaine after the accident rather than before it.

That said, I'm with SF on this one. In the absence of definitive proof, it's not difficult to draw our own conclusions based on the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the case - we are not bound by burden of proof in our opinions.

RIP to the doctor.

What will be particularly interesting is how the authorities handle this case, given that a remarkably similar incident occurred at around the same time.

An NACC official, allegedly driving drunk, killed a delivery rider:

NACC Official Caught in a Fatal Nonthaburi Drunk Driving Crash

The two cases share striking similarities in terms of the event itself, yet differ significantly in terms of who the individuals involved were.

Case A

- A reckless rider kills a pedestrian.

- Possible DUI, although this cannot be legally proven.

Case B

- A drunk driver kills a motorcyclist.

The social dynamics are also notably different:

Case A

- The rider is a foreigner.

- The deceased pedestrian was Thai, held a respected professional position, high socio-economic status.

Case B

- The driver was a senior Thai official holding a respected public position.

- The deceased was a delivery rider, much lower on the socio-economic ladder.

The real test will be whether both cases receive the same level of scrutiny, public outrage, and legal treatment, or whether the status and background of those involved ultimately influence the outcome.

In theory - the penalties 'should' be similar - yet already, the silence and lack of attention surrounding the DUI NACC official shows a stark contrast to the publicity surrounding the death of the Doctor.

richard_smith237 Star Member

richard_smith237

Advanced Member
27 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

Let's see if he gets treated as leniently as the Thai cop on the superbike that killed a doctor on a zebra crossing!

RIP Doc

In April 2023, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, later reduced to 6 years and 4 months because of his guilty plea and cooperation with the court. He was also ordered to pay compensation to the victim's family.

In March 2024, the Civil Court ordered former police officer Norawich Buadok to pay:

- 13.5 million baht to Dr Waralak's father

- 13.5 million baht to Dr Waralak's mother

- 331,230 baht for funeral expenses

It will be interesting to observe how the Thai legal system operates against a foreigner here and against the NACC official.

In both of the examples - the events are sufficiently similar and 6 year jail sentence seems to be a minimum precident.

In the case of the NACC official he was also drunk - while the motorcyclist (Police office) who killed the Ophthalmologist on the pedestrian crossing was 'riding recklessly' (but not DUI).

Sir Dude Gold Member

Sir Dude

Advanced Member

This is a sad story and he risked everything he had plus someone else's life and future just doing what so many do in these places... drugs and a carefree attitude. The Thais should throw the book at this moron big time.

Georgealbert Star Member

Georgealbert

News Team

UPDATE

British Rider Granted Bail in Koh Phangan Crash Case

IMG_4073.png

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek

Police on Koh Phangan have provided an update on the case involving Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong, known as “Ajarn Mor Ton”, a respiratory and critical care specialist at the Pulmonary Health Centre, who died on 7 June 2026, after being seriously injured in a motorcycle collision on the island.

According to Koh Phangan Police Station, the crash occurred at about 9.21pm on 23 May 2026 on the Koh Phangan Hospital-Thong Sala road outside Nopparat Furniture in Moo 1, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. Officers responding to reports of a motorcycle striking a pedestrian found that the injured victim had already been taken to Koh Phangan Hospital in critical condition. The motorcyclist had left the scene.

Police launched an investigation, including witness interviews and a review of CCTV footage from before, during and after the collision. On 24 May 2026, officers located and arrested a 51-year-old British man, Duncan Wilcock, who was identified as the rider of the motorcycle involved. The motorcycle was seized as evidence and the suspect was taken to Koh Phangan Hospital for blood testing for narcotics and alcohol before being handed to investigators for legal proceedings.

The suspect is facing 7 charges:

1. Reckless driving resulting in a collision that caused serious injury to another person.

2. Driving in a manner that causes harm to a person and then failing to stop the vehicle, provide assistance, or fleeing the scene.

3. Driving without a driver's license.

4. Using a vehicle that has not paid annual road tax.

5. The vehicle user had no vehicle insurance coverage for accident victims.

6. Using a Category 2 narcotic drug (cocaine) in violation of the law.

7. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in serious injury to another person.

On 26 May 2026, investigators sought the suspect’s detention at Koh Samui Provincial Court. Police opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that the suspect might flee. However, the court later granted bail after the suspect provided financial security.

As part of the bail conditions, the British national must report to the court every 12 days and is prohibited from leaving Thailand. The investigation remains ongoing while officers gather additional evidence. Following the death of Dr Theerasak, police said further charges would now be added in accordance with the law.

Police have also expanded their investigation into the suspect’s business activities. Officers said they discovered that the suspect had allegedly operated a nominee company running a tour boat business without the required licence. A separate case, Criminal Case No. 406/2569, has been filed in connection with those allegations.

Komchadluek reported that Koh Phangan Police stated that all investigative actions are being conducted impartially, fairly and firmly under the law.

IMG_4074.jpeg

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 7 June 2026

Off Piste Silver Member

Off Piste

Advanced Member

I wonder if the police have impounded his boat, as, financial security for bail aside, he might want to make a fast exit.

tomazbodner Ruby Member

tomazbodner

Advanced Member

No way he is still in Thailand... Even if he had to swim to Cambodia

Off Piste Silver Member

Off Piste

Advanced Member
16 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

No way he is still in Thailand... Even if he had to swim to Cambodia

I've thought about this scenario over the years...if one made it to Cambodia or say Malaysia without a passport, which one would have surrendered in his case for example...or even with a passport but no entry stamp into that country and lets say you wanted to go back to the UK (regardless of potential later extradition or not).............are there any escape artists on this forum that can advise..................

vangrop Silver Member

vangrop

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, Off Piste said:

I've thought about this scenario over the years...if one made it to Cambodia or say Malaysia without a passport, which one would have surrendered in his case for example...or even with a passport but no entry stamp into that country and lets say you wanted to go back to the UK (regardless of potential later extradition or not).............are there any escape artists on this forum that can advise..........

let us be clear, this is not an advice. this purely hyothetic brainplay. One could tell the Cambodian authorities that he lost his passport on a road trip from for Vietnam to Cambodia.

CallumWK Diamond Member

CallumWK

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, Off Piste said:

I've thought about this scenario over the years...if one made it to Cambodia or say Malaysia without a passport, which one would have surrendered in his case for example...or even with a passport but no entry stamp into that country and lets say you wanted to go back to the UK (regardless of potential later extradition or not).............are there any escape artists on this forum that can advise..................

I believe the UK embassy in Cambodia will issue you an emergency travel document, even if they know you are wanted in Thailand on serious charges

Rockyroad Platinum Member

Rockyroad

Advanced Member
7 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Yes, the day AFTER the accident.

It is an offence to flea a crash scene if someone gets injured.

Harsh Jones Gold Member

Harsh Jones

Advanced Member

What actually happened ? Was the doc at a crosswalk ?

Patong2021 Diamond Member

Patong2021

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, Off Piste said:

I wonder if the police have impounded his boat, as, financial security for bail aside, he might want to make a fast exit.

The police cannot impound a boat for bail. Impounding requires a legal judgement or a violation of the statute on the proceeds of crime.

Thai bail procedures are different for foreigner. First, they must surrender their passport, Second, they are typically in a restricted travel zone, meaning that they must remain in a specified geographic area. Bail is satisfied by depositing with the court; cash, and/or land title deeds and/or assigning bank deposits/investments.

Off Piste Silver Member

Off Piste

Advanced Member
1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

The police cannot impound a boat for bail

I haven't implied that........................Regardless, the police are a law unto themselves and wouldn't be bothered about any official law in regards to any kind of impounding..............

Keeps Platinum Member

Keeps

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

It is an offence to flea a crash scene if someone gets injured.

That is covered under the second charge listed Sherlock.

Georgealbert Star Member

Georgealbert

News Team

UPDATE

Police Seek Bail Revocation in Koh Phangan Death Case

newbee2022 Star Member

newbee2022

Advanced Member
18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong, known as “Ajarn Mor Ton”, has died after suffering critical injuries in a road collision on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. The respected respiratory and critical care specialist was struck while walking along a roadside by a motorcycle ridden by British national Duncan Wilcock, 51, who police said tested positive for cocaine after being located.

Get today's headlines by email image.png

The incident left Dr Theerasak with severe injuries, including bleeding on the brain. Following the collision, he was urgently transferred by air to Bangkok for specialist treatment and underwent brain surgery at Ramathibodi Hospital due to his critical condition.

Police investigations led to Wilcock being charged with seven offences. These include reckless driving causing serious injury, driving after consuming alcohol or narcotics, driving without a licence or insurance and failing to stop after the collision. Officers at Koh Phangan Police Station also opposed bail after alleging that the suspect had attempted to flee Thailand.

On 7 June 2026, the Facebook page of Vimut Hospital Phaholyothin announced that Dr Theerasak had passed away. The hospital published a message expressing condolences and paying tribute to his dedication and service throughout his medical career.

The statement read: “We express our condolences and mourn the passing of Associate Professor Dr Theerasak Kaewamatwong. Throughout his service, he worked with determination and dedication. His contributions will remain remembered and stay in our memories forever. We extend our deepest sympathies and wish for his soul to rest in peace.”

Dr Theerasak was a specialist in respiratory diseases and critical care medicine at the Lung Health Centre. His death has prompted widespread expressions of sympathy from colleagues, patients and members of the medical community.

Khaosod reported that the case is to continue through the Thai legal system. Authorities have already submitted the suspect to the court for detention while criminal proceedings move forward. The death of Dr Theerasak may also have implications for additional charges being considered by prosecutors as investigations continue.

IMG_4061.jpeg

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Related stories

British-man-remanded-over-Koh-Phangan-crash

British-rider-held-after-hit-run-on-Phangan

Doctor-airlifted-to-bangkok-after-Brits-crash

Join the discussion? image.png

Already a member? image.png

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 7 June 2026


View full article

Again and again🥺

Why all those riffraff Brits have to come to Thailand?

Have they been deported to Thailand?

Maybe a deposit of $ 50.000 when entering Thailand will be a perfect idea to keep them outside

Front Row Advanced Member

Front Row

Member

I’m guessing that Mr. Duncan is going to be spending a lot of time in the Bangkok Hilton (Bang Kwang prison). His poor judgements are going to have dire consequences.

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

UPDATE

Police Seek Bail Revocation in Koh Phangan Death Case

Release on bail for just long enough to bounce out of Thailand!

NedR69 Silver Member

NedR69

Advanced Member

Was this the Brit with a ferry boat/water taxi biz?

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

Was this the Brit with a ferry boat/water taxi biz?

Reef Charter.

Ray60 Explorer Member

Ray60

Member
18 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

In April 2023, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, later reduced to 6 years and 4 months because of his guilty plea and cooperation with the court. He was also ordered to pay compensation to the victim's family.

In March 2024, the Civil Court ordered former police officer Norawich Buadok to pay:

- 13.5 million baht to Dr Waralak's father

- 13.5 million baht to Dr Waralak's mother

- 331,230 baht for funeral expenses

It will be interesting to observe how the Thai legal system operates against a foreigner here and against the NACC official.

In both of the examples - the events are sufficiently similar and 6 year jail sentence seems to be a minimum precident.

In the case of the NACC official he was also drunk - while the motorcyclist (Police office) who killed the Ophthalmologist on the pedestrian crossing was 'riding recklessly' (but not DUI).

a Thai cop can afford to pay 27 Mio THB, wow ?

SiSePuede419 Platinum Member

SiSePuede419

Advanced Member

My advice for all the out of control Farang cokeheads?

Move to Columbia or Peru.

Much cheaper there you <deleted>

Come back to Asia when you have an opioid habit

Stay in your drug fueled geographhic lane, dudes 🍭

wensiensheng Platinum Member

wensiensheng

Advanced Member

I’m very surprised this guy was granted bail. Not surprised that the police want it revoked. Ok so he or someone put up financial security, but with the charges he is facing and the potential sentence, who cares about money?

wensiensheng Platinum Member

wensiensheng

Advanced Member
12 hours ago, Harsh Jones said:

What actually happened ? Was the doc at a crosswalk ?

Just walking along the road with his back to traffic. There is a video in the original OP.

It was night and he was wearing dark clothing, but even so, traffic is supposed to look where they are going and not just mow down anything in their path.

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