PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 65-year-old British motorcyclist died after losing control of his bike and hitting a power pole on Friday evening.
Fatal crash on Friday evening
Around 8 p.m. on 3 April 2026, an alarm reached the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue center in Pattaya about a serious motorcycle accident on Soi Na Mueang. Rescuers went to the scene and found the injured man lying next to his motorcycle.
His injuries were classified as life-threatening. Despite the rapid response, his condition could not be stabilized.
Emergency response efforts
Rescue workers immediately began first aid measures at the roadside. Despite intensive efforts, they could no longer detect any signs of life.
An emergency doctor who was called to the scene officially confirmed the death. Initial medical findings indicated extremely severe injuries caused by the impact, and death likely occurred immediately after the crash.
Fatal injuries
According to authorities, the victim was later identified as Mr Perkins, a 65-year-old national of the United Kingdom. The official notification of the British Embassy was under way.
Medical personnel concluded that the force of the collision had caused fatal trauma. Further examinations were ordered to document the exact nature of the injuries.
Destroyed motorcycle shows force of impact
Next to the victim, emergency crews found his motorcycle, a black Yamaha with Chonburi registration plates. The condition of the vehicle indicated a high-energy collision.
The front of the motorcycle was heavily damaged, and police believed the impact occurred without significant braking. The power pole showed clear marks at the point of impact.
Investigation into cause of the accident
Investigators from Pattaya Police secured evidence, photographed the scene and collected material for the case file. All possible sequences of events leading to the crash were being examined.
According to investigators, potential causes included excessive speed, a sudden riding error or the road conditions. Police also looked into the possibility of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or dizziness, that could have caused the rider to lose control.
Dangerous road in Pong
Soi Na Mueang in Pong was known among residents not only for its scenic surroundings. Locals reported frequent accidents along this stretch of road.
“Especially at night the lighting is poor. Many drive too fast.”
said a resident. Police had repeatedly warned about the dangers on this route.
Despite these warnings, serious accidents continued to occur on the road. The fatal crash involving the British rider was the latest in a long series of incidents.
What tourists and expats need to know
Thailand was among the countries with the highest number of road deaths worldwide, and motorcycle riding was considered particularly risky. Authorities strongly advised foreign visitors to wear a helmet at all times and to ride defensively.
They also stressed that having the correct driving licence was mandatory. In this case, regardless of general safety measures, the energy of the impact had been fatal.
Grief and condolences
The British community in Pattaya reacted with shock to the news of the accident. The responsible embassy in Bangkok was informed and supported the relatives with the necessary formalities.
Arrangements for the repatriation of the body to the United Kingdom were initiated. Officials coordinated with local authorities and the family.
Investigation continues
In the coming days, police planned to question additional witnesses. Possible surveillance cameras in the area would also be checked for footage of the crash.
The body of the British national was taken to the forensic institute for further examination, and a toxicology report was ordered. Once the forensic investigations were completed, police were expected to publish an official report on the case.