British businessman facing 13 years in prison as Thai doctor he 'crashed into while high on cocaine' dies
A British businessman is facing 13 years in prison as a Thai doctor he allegedly crashed into while high on cocaine has died.
Paul Duncan Wilcock, 51, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was said to have been under the influence as he tore through roads on the Full Moon Party island of Koh Phangan on May 23.
CCTV footage showed him 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 skidded on his motorbike.
Shocked motorists were seen pulling over to check on the injured doctor, who was then rushed to Koh Phangan Hospital in serious condition.
Theerasuk was in a coma with severe brain injuries for weeks before passing away on June 7.
In an online tribute, Koh Phangan Hospital said: 'We respectfully offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt remembrance of Dr Theerasuk Kawamatawong, specialist in respiratory diseases and critical care medicine. We express our deepest sorrow at his passing. May his soul rest in peace.'
Police arrested Wilcock on a tour boat at Wak Tum Pier on May 24. A urine test was allegedly positive for cocaine.
He was initially charged with reckless driving causing serious injury, failing to stop and help the victim, driving without a licence, using an untaxed and uninsured vehicle, consuming a Category 2 narcotic, and drink-driving causing serious injury.
Police Colonel Apichat Chan-Samret, the island's police chief, said that, following Theerasuk's death, the Brit faces an additional charge of reckless driving causing death while under the influence of a Category 2 narcotic. The maximum term is 13 years behind bars.
Wilcock was also additionally charged with making false statements and breaching local business ownership laws.
Under Thai law, driving under the influence of narcotics and causing death carries severe penalties.
The maximum sentence for driving while under the influence of drugs, including Category 2 narcotics such as cocaine, morphine, or codeine, and causing death is 13 years and four months in prison.
Officers said they will ask the Koh Samui Provincial Court to revoke the suspect's bail, citing concerns he might flee.
Koh Pha Ngan Police said they obtained 'crucial' footage on the night of the incident, which allegedly showed Wilcock buying two bottles of Suntory alcohol at a supermarket and drinking them just 17 minutes before the crash.
Police said Wilcock lacked a Thai or international driving licence, and his motorcycle's annual road tax also had not been renewed since the beginning of 2025. The vehicle also did not have compulsory motor insurance.
Authorities launched an investigation into boat tour operator Reefers Charters after it emerged that Wilcock was listed as a shareholder to determine whether the company was compliant with Thai business laws.
Reefers Charters offers private boat tours around Koh Pha Ngan, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park and Koh Tao. The company also advertised cannabis-themed ‘420' sunset cruises, party boats and fishing trips departing from Srithanu Pier.
According to police, the company typically served around 10 customers per trip, charging approximately 3,000 baht per person, with a Thai captain operating the vessel.
