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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This Brit is to stay many years in jail in Thailand, hopefully his whole life 🙏

27 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

This Brit is to stay many years in jail in Thailand, hopefully his whole life 🙏

I agree- and it is the best place for him

POS drunk takes out a doctor ..... let him rot.

Edited May 27May 27 by Sully_

why is it not surprising that this is once again about a shirtless monkey ...

being shirtless should only be allowed at beaches. people you see shirtless in cities, stores, airports, on motorcycles, etc. are all macho guys with a big ego and also criminal energy ... and they are often involved in violence and crimes ... TRP, please stop these monkeys!

He is in big trouble and rightly so. A lengthy jail sentence is likely, at least half of which he will serve in Thailand.

Scum. Keep him in jail. Should not have been allowed to rent a motorcycle in the first place without a license. Charge the motorcycle renter, as well, including no insurance.

just look at his appearance ! filthy and dirty scumbag even running a business ! This notorious island needs to cleaned up with all the (illegal) looser types living there ! I for sure won't visit this once beautiful island again !

1 hour ago, newnative said:

Scum. Keep him in jail. Should not have been allowed to rent a motorcycle in the first place without a license. Charge the motorcycle renter, as well, including no insurance.

Where does it say it was rented?

Once locked up, his Beer Chang T shirt (first picture) will become irrelevent when he has to wear prison garb!

3 hours ago, motdaeng said:

why is it not surprising that this is once again about a shirtless monkey ...

being shirtless should only be allowed at beaches. people you see shirtless in cities, stores, airports, on motorcycles, etc. are all macho guys with a big ego and also criminal energy ... and they are often involved in violence and crimes ... TRP, please stop these monkeys!

Somewhat but I do think such people do one thing for all of us. Their being shirtless in the places you mention sends a message to the rest of us, who have a modicum of courtesy. That message is "Avoid me, for I am worthless, smelly scum with disregard for all of you"

I remember when I lived in USA seeing signs outside stores, bars, restaurants etc saying "No shoes, no shirt, no service".

Bad man, but at least he did have a UK driving licence that's something no Thai so called driver could ever aquire in a million years

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

Cross referencing...................

no stone unturned...................

Buckle up people....................

2 hours ago, newnative said:

Scum. Keep him in jail. Should not have been allowed to rent a motorcycle in the first place without a license. Charge the motorcycle renter, as well, including no insurance.

This has got to be the unintelligent post ever

usually trouble is expected from the half naked tourists in 711s

It seems to be a new procedure. Get police attention for a serious crime and the Thai authorities will double-check your entire existence in the kingdom. Fair enough, bad guys out... (Etc.)

Whether attacking Thai doctors on a beach or doing a hit'n run with a motorcycle or likewise will end your stay in the kingdom.

Edited May 27May 27 by robert2
Added opinion

Do you remember the Swiss man, Urs David Fehr, who was accused of kicking a female Thai doctor in the back near his rented luxury villa on Yamu Beach back in February 2024?

He had the financial means to settle the situation, avoid jail time, and leave the country.

In contrast, I believe Mr. Wilcox's case will have a much harsher outcome, involving a long prison sentence, substantial fines, and significant reparations. In short, his situation looks dire.

3 hours ago, Jim Mac said:

Where does it say it was rented?

My bad, I thought he had rented the motorcycle.

16 minutes ago, newnative said:

My bad, I thought he had rented the motorcycle.

16 minutes ago, newnative said:

My bad, I thought he had rented the motorcycle.

What made you think that. Obviously you didn’t bother to read the article

5 hours ago, newnative said:

Scum. Keep him in jail. Should not have been allowed to rent a motorcycle in the first place without a license. Charge the motorcycle renter, as well, including no insurance.

The bike was rented?

3 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

Once locked up, his Beer Chang T shirt (first picture) will become irrelevent when he has to wear prison garb!

Prisoners are permitted to wear their own clothes most of the time.

4 hours ago, TopThai1964 said:

just look at his appearance ! filthy and dirty scumbag even running a business ! This notorious island needs to cleaned up with all the (illegal) looser types living there ! I for sure won't visit this once beautiful island again !

Not so unusual, most of foreigners riding motorbikes look similar and also drive as reckless as this Brit. I see it everyday in Thailand.

2 hours ago, Teddy Boy said:

This has got to be the unintelligent post ever

You missed out WORSE. No thanks needed

2 hours ago, Toby1947 said:

Bad man, but at least he did have a UK driving licence that's something no Thai so called driver could ever aquire in a million years

51% of British people are unable to pass the UK driving test also so you have no justification to slag-off Thais so much.

Edited May 27May 27 by Liverpool Lou

His future isn't good by his idiotic action.And now the government will start investigate people on DTV visa and people with thai elite card visa too.

4 hours ago, TopThai1964 said:

just look at his appearance ! filthy and dirty scumbag even running a business ! This notorious island needs to cleaned up with all the (illegal) looser types living there ! I for sure won't visit this once beautiful island again !

Come on Top. You could have a good shower and shave, get some nice clothes and they will let you onto the Island again.

2 hours ago, Beat666 said:

Do you remember the Swiss man, Urs David Fehr, who was accused of kicking a female Thai doctor in the back near his rented luxury villa on Yamu Beach back in February 2024?

He had the financial means to settle the situation, avoid jail time, and leave the country

That is entirely wrong. He did not leave the country courtesy of his financial situation, he was not allowed to leave the country and was acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence against him until a pro bono lawyer stepped in and lodged an appeal. During that appeal he was permitted bail and during that bail period he left the country prior to the Appeal Court giving him a one month jail sentence.

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

The bike was rented?

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

The bike was rented?

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

The bike was rented?

No, apparently not.

4 minutes ago, newnative said:

The bike was rented?

No, apparently not.

That was my (rhetorical) point.

3 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That is entirely wrong. He did not leave the country courtesy of his financial situation, he was not allowed to leave the country and was acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence against him until a pro bono lawyer stepped in and lodged an appeal. During that appeal he was permitted bail and during that bail period he left the country prior to the Appeal Court giving him a one month jail sentence.

On April 21, 2025, Urs Fehr was supposed to begin serving his sentence: one month in prison without parole for intentional bodily harm. But when the Region 8 Supreme Court handed down its verdict, Fehr had vanished without a trace.

Police sources confirm: The Swiss national fled Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport, presumably back to Switzerland. An arrest warrant was issued, but the authorities are baffled. "We will find him," promised a high-ranking official. Interpol has been called in to hunt down the fugitive.

"We don't know where he is," admitted Lieutenant Colonel Laddawan Waenkaew. Even Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, police chief of Thalang, where the incident occurred, shrugged helplessly: "I haven't seen him." The authorities' embarrassing inability to apprehend Fehr is fueling doubts about Thailand's security and justice system.

Niphit Intarasombat, Dr. Fehr's lawyer, Thandao is stunned. In a Facebook post on May 23, 2025, he revealed that he had applied for a travel ban on Fehr – to no avail. "The court did not grant my request," he lamented.

This decision enabled Fehr's escape. The lawyer emphasized that his client does not seek revenge, but justice. Dr. Thandao's silent protest on the beach has sparked a movement that is shaking confidence in Thailand's justice system. How could a convicted foreigner escape so easily?

Urs Fehr's escape has made international headlines. Thai police are now working with Interpol to track down the 46-year-old. A high-ranking official vowed: "He must serve his sentence!"

However, the chances of catching Fehr in Switzerland are uncertain. His disappearance exploited a legal loophole: Because it was an appeal, no travel ban was imposed. This negligence outrages the public and casts a dark light on the rule of law in Thailand.

(Source: https://www.wochenblitz.com/ )

Edited May 27May 27 by Beat666
Adjusting facts