A 51-year-old British national has been imprisoned after fatally striking a Thai doctor while driving under the influence of cocaine.
On 8 June, at Ban Na Ton pier on the island of Koh Samui, police escorted Wilcock Duncan, 51, to the provincial court. The Englishman was due to face fresh charges following the death of Pr. Thirasak Kaewamornwong, a renowned pulmonologist at Ramathibodi Hospital, who was the victim of an accident that occurred on 23 May on Koh Phangan.
That evening the doctor was struck by a motorcycle while walking along the road linking the hospital to Thong Sala. The rider fled the scene. CCTV footage led to his arrest a few hours later. Tests revealed cocaine in his system.
Seven charges have been brought against him, including dangerous driving causing serious injury, failing to stop after an accident, driving without a licence, without insurance and without tax, as well as drug consumption.
Initially released on bail with a travel ban, Wilcock Duncan saw his situation harden after the doctor’s death. On 8 June the Koh Samui court revoked his bail and ordered his immediate detention at the island prison.
Investigators also discovered that the Englishman was illegally operating a tourism company, leading to an additional case.