Renowned Doctor Airlifted to Bangkok for Emergency Brain Surgery After Hit-and-Run by Intoxicated Foreign Motorcyclist
A renowned Thai physician was airlifted to Bangkok for emergency brain surgery after being hit by an intoxicated British motorcyclist on Koh Phangan; the suspect faces charges including reckless driving, hit-and-run, and drug possession.
On May 25, authorities reported developments in the accident case involving a British man on a motorcycle who hit renowned physician Associate Professor Theerasak Gaeo-Amattayong and fled the scene on Koh Phangan. An emergency air evacuation operation was launched at 2:30 p.m. at Samui Airport, with Samui Bangkok Hospital medical staff and family requesting aircraft support from the Police Aviation Division of the Royal Thai Police to rapidly transport the critically injured doctor. His brain condition was critical and required advanced neurosurgery.
Associate Professor Theerasak was transported by ambulance from Samui Bangkok Hospital before being transferred to a police aircraft stationed at Samui Airport for immediate flight to Bangkok, with medical and nursing staff providing close care throughout. Ramadhbei Hospital, his home institution, prepared operating rooms, neurosurgery teams, and advanced medical equipment to receive him immediately upon landing.
Regarding the case, Region 8 Police Commander Sitthichai Lohanbai has ordered Koh Phangan Police Station to prosecute the British suspect Mr. Wilcock Duncan with full force following urine test results confirming cocaine in his system. Charges include reckless driving causing severe injury, hit-and-run, driving without a license, and Class 1 drug possession. Investigators have also been ordered to expand the investigation into the suspect's tour boat business to determine if it operates illegally as a front company or has influential foreign backing, with the aim of eliminating foreign mafia networks on Koh Phangan and delivering justice for the physician who has long served Thai society.
