British businessman taken to court facing seven charges over crash that left Thai doctor in coma
A British businessman was taken to court and charged over a hit-and-run crash that left a Thai doctor in a coma in Thailand.
Paul Duncan Wilcock, 51, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was said to have been drunk as he tore through roads on the island of Koh Phangan on May 23.
CCTV footage captured him allegedly buying two cans of grape-infused vodka from a grocery shop on the notorious resort destination, which is home to the Full Moon Party.
Wilcock was then allegedly 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 Brit raced past the scene, allegedly without stopping.
Shocked motorists rushed Theerasuk to Koh Phangan Hospital, where is currently in a coma.
Officers launched a manhunt after reviewing CCTV footage and identifying Wilcock as the suspect. They tracked him down to a tour boat moored at Wak Tum Pier on May 24.
Video shows officers escorting the wounded tourist, seen wearing a red shirt and bandages on his arms and face, into a police van.
He was hauled to the Koh Samui Provincial Court on May 26 to face charges of reckless driving causing serious injury, fleeing without providing assistance, driving without a licence, using a vehicle with unpaid annual road tax, using a vehicle without compulsory motor insurance, consuming a Category 2 narcotic, and drink-driving causing serious injury.
During questioning, he denied the charges of hit-and-run by fleeing without providing assistance, and drink-driving, causing serious injury.
His bail was denied as he was determined to be a 'high flight risk' suspect.
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.
Officials initially reported that a breathalyser test found no alcohol in his system. A urine test later returned positive for cocaine.
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.
