British businessman, 51, 'high on cocaine injures Thai doctor in hit-and-run'
This is the shocking moment a British businessman who was allegedly high on cocaine injured a Thai doctor in a suspected hit-and-run in Thailand.
Paul Duncan Wilcock, 51, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was said to have been intoxicated as he tore through roads on the island of Koh Phangan on May 23.
CCTV footage shows the Brit hurtling through a dark road at night before hitting Theerasuk Kawamatawong, 53, who was walking on the roadside.
The Thai doctor, a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist, was struck from behind as the tourist raced past the scene, allegedly without stopping.
Shocked motorists were seen pulling over to check on the injured doctor, who was then rushed to Koh Phangan Hospital in serious condition.
Officers launched a manhunt after reviewing CCTV footage and identifying Paul as the suspect. They tracked him down to a tour boat moored at Wak Tum Pier on May 24.
Investigators said Wilcock was found with abrasions on his body and later admitted he had been riding the light blue Honda Dream motorbike involved in the crash.
Police Colonel Apichat Chansamret, from the island's station, said the Brit claimed the accident was caused by poor visibility.
He added: 'The suspect claimed he had not consumed alcohol before driving, and said the area was very dark, making it difficult to see the pedestrian.
'A breathalyser test showed no alcohol. However, further blood and urine tests conducted at Koh Phangan Hospital found cocaine in his system.'
Authorities said Paul will be charged with reckless driving causing serious injury to another person, causing damage while driving, failing to stop to provide assistance or report the incident to authorities, driving without a licence, and illegally consuming a Category 2 narcotic.
Police said Paul was in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Category B business visa valid until December 25. His travel history was being investigated.
Officers added that there have been no negotiations yet between the victim's family and the suspect regarding compensation.
Wilcock was a shareholder in Reefers Charters, a company offering private boat tours around Koh Pha Ngan, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, and Koh Tao.
The business also advertised cannabis-themed 420 sunset cruises, party boats, and fishing trips departing from Srithanu Pier.
The company typically served around 10 customers per trip at approximately 3,000 baht each, with a Thai captain operating the vessel.
However, officers planned to further investigate the company structure to determine whether Thai nationals had allegedly been used illegally as nominee shareholders.
