Ko Pangan Police Detain British Man After Hit-and-Run Incident
A British man was detained in Ko Pangan after a hit-and-run accident left a local doctor critically injured.
Key Points
- 1Accident occurred near Ko Pangan district office on May 23 involving a pedestrian doctor and a motorcycle.
- 2The injured doctor is in a coma with severe brain injuries and has undergone surgery.
- 3The British suspect was detained by police the day after the incident.
- 4Poor street lighting at the accident site was reported as a contributing factor.
On the evening of May 23, a serious hit-and-run accident occurred near the district administration building on Ko Pangan. A local Thai doctor, Tirasuk “Ton” Kawamatavong, was walking along the left side of the road when he was struck by a motorcycle. The driver fled the scene without providing assistance, leaving the injured doctor in critical condition.
Bystanders quickly found the doctor and rushed him to Bangkok Hospital Samui. He is currently in a coma with severe head injuries including brain stem hemorrhage and significant brain swelling. Emergency surgery has already been performed to address his critical condition.
The incident sparked a strong reaction online, prompting Ko Pangan police to launch an active search for the suspect. The following day, a British man named Duncan Wilcock was detained in connection with the accident. It was also reported that the stretch of road where the accident happened was poorly lit, with streetlights not functioning at the time.
This event serves as a reminder to stay cautious on island roads, especially after dark when lighting can be unreliable. For those living or traveling here, it’s wise to remain vigilant near traffic and to help keep our community safe. OG Lab sends best wishes for a full recovery to Dr. Ton and hopes for continued road safety improvements on Ko Pangan.
