Brit is arrested after 'hit-and-run crash in Thailand leaves doctor fighting for his life'

By PERKIN AMALARAJ, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 22:39, 25 May 2026 | Updated: 22:52, 25 May 2026 A British man has been arrested for an alleged hit-and-run in Thailand while high on cocaine that left a doctor fighting for his life.  The man, a 51-year-old businessman, has been accused of driving a motorcycle into respected doctor Theerasuk Kawamatawong as he walked on the roadside on May 23.  CCTV footage shared online allegedly showed the Briton racing down a dark stretch of road in Koh Phangan before crashing into the doctor, sending him flying.  But the man was seen riding away, as horrified bystanders rushed in to help the injured physician.  Theerasuk, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, was rushed into Koh Phangan Hospital for emergency treatment.  He has since been put into an induced coma in Bangkok Hospital Samui, having suffered bleeding in the brainstem and significant brain swelling.  The Briton was reportedly arrested while on a tour boat moored at Wak Tum Pier on the coast of the island of Koh Phangan.  He was found with visible abrasions, before allegedly admitting he was the rider on the motorcycle.  The man, a 51-year-old businessman, has been accused of driving a motorcycle into a respected doctor The Briton was reportedly arrested while on a tour boat moored at Wak Tum Pier on the coast of the island of Koh Phangan He reportedly claimed that the road was too dark to see pedestrians.  The British man faces a series of charges including reckless driving causing serious injury, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report an accident.  Local police also claim that he tested positive for cocaine and was found to be riding the motorbike without a licence.  Authorities said he was in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Category-B business visa that is valid until December 25. They are also looking into his businesses, including one that offers private boat rides across several different islands.   Local media reported that Theerasuk spent his free time assisting local communities on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan with free volunteer medical work.  The Daily Mail has contacted the UK's foreign office for comment.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.