Ko Pha-ngan Police Arrest British Man for Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run Against Renowned Doctor, Seek Detention and Oppose Bail
A 51-year-old British man was arrested in Ko Samui on charges of drunk driving, hit-and-run, and cocaine possession after striking a renowned doctor on Ko Pha-ngan on May 23; police oppose bail citing serious offenses and flight risk.
At 8:30 a.m. on May 26, 2025, at Ban Nai Thon Pier in Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, Ko Pha-ngan police investigators presented 51-year-old British national Wilcox to Ko Samui Provincial Court requesting detention and opposing bail. The suspect is accused of recklessly driving a motorcycle, striking a pedestrian causing severe injury, and fleeing the scene. The incident occurred on the road between Ko Pha-ngan Hospital and Tong Sala on May 23, injuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thirasak Kaewamontavong, 53, a renowned medical instructor specializing in respiratory diseases and critical care.
Detailed investigations led to crucial evidence showing that 17 minutes before the incident at 8:30 p.m., CCTV footage captured Wilcox purchasing two cans of alcoholic beverages from a supermarket 1.4 kilometers from the accident site, then walking while drinking to his parked motorcycle before riding out and striking the victim. Witnesses confirmed that after the incident, Wilcox displayed loud, aggressive behavior consistent with intoxication. Medical tests confirmed the presence of Type 2 narcotic cocaine in his system. Additionally, Wilcox lacks a Thai or international driver's license, holds only a British license, and the motorcycle had unpaid annual taxes since early 2568 and no vehicle insurance coverage.
Police have filed seven charges against Wilcox: reckless driving causing severe injury to another person; hit-and-run without assistance; driving without a license; using an untaxed vehicle; using a vehicle without mandatory insurance; possession and use of cocaine; and drunk driving causing severe harm to another. During initial questioning, Wilcox denied charges related to hit-and-run and drunk driving causing harm. Police have requested his detention, opposing bail due to serious penalties, his foreign status, lack of fixed residence, and risk of fleeing the country. The victim's relatives have been kept informed of developments.
Police are also investigating a company associated with the suspect for potential legal violations, including possible use of Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to conduct illegal business operations on Ko Pha-ngan, with full legal proceedings to follow.
