KOH PHANGAN, Thailand – A British businessman faces intensified charges after a drunk and drugged motorcycle crash led to the death of a respected doctor, with police now seeking to revoke his bail.
Doctor Lost Fight for Survival
Dr. Theerasak Kaewamatwong, 53, affectionately known as “Ajarn Mor Ton,” was a specialist in respiratory and intensive care medicine. He dedicated his free time as a volunteer doctor at Koh Phangan Hospital. On the evening of May 23, he was training along a road in Moo 1 when a motorcycle collided with him.
The injuries were devastating, including severe head trauma and a brain hemorrhage. He was transferred to Ramathibodi Hospital, but after more than two weeks, doctors pronounced him dead on June 7.
Alcohol, Cocaine, and a Ruined Life
Authorities allege that Duncan Wilcock, 51, a British national and owner of the excursion boat company Reef Charter Co Ltd at Wok Tum Beach, was operating the motorcycle. The police accuse him of driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine before striking the doctor.
Instead of rendering aid, Wilcock is accused of fleeing the scene after the collision.
From Grievous Bodily Harm to Negligent Homicide
Initially, Wilcock faced seven charges, including dangerous driving resulting in severe injury, hit-and-run, failure to render assistance, driving without a license, lack of tax and insurance, cocaine use, and drunk driving.
Following the doctor’s death, the police are escalating the charges. Police Colonel Apichat Jansamret, head of the Koh Phangan Station, stated that the charge would be upgraded to negligent homicide in traffic, replacing the previous grievous bodily harm charge. This carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
Fierce Battle Over Bail
Investigators are now preparing a request to immediately revoke Wilcock’s bail. With the significantly increased penalty, officers believe there is an acute risk of flight and want to see the British national returned to custody.
Wilcock was scheduled to meet with investigators but postponed, requesting a reschedule for today, June 8. It remains uncertain if he will appear with his lawyer or if the police will pursue other avenues.
Not Just the Accident: Illegal Business Deals Under Scrutiny
Adding to the legal troubles, Wilcock faces separate proceedings related to his business activities. Police claim he used Thai nominees to hold shares in his boat operation and operated a tourism business without the necessary license.
These four charges, including providing false information to officials and operating a prohibited business as a foreigner, are part of criminal case No. 406/2569, dated May 28. In total, the Briton now faces eleven alleged offenses in court.
Eleven Charges and Shattered Trust
According to police, Wilcock now faces seven charges related to the fatal accident and four from his business dealings. What began as a motorcycle accident on an island road could result in a lengthy prison sentence for him.
The Koh Samui Provincial Court is expected to rule on the bail revocation today. If the judges grant the police’s request, the 51-year-old’s freedom would end immediately.