A TUK-TUK driver in Phuket has confessed to an accident wherein British professional boxer Colin Cairney, 22, fell off the vehicle on Sunday (June 14) and later died at hospital, Amarin TV said this afternoon (June 18).
Pol. Lt. Col. Surachat Thongyai, the investigating officer at Patong police station, said last Monday (June 15), his team summoned Mr. Kitchapong (last name withheld), 34, who is from Phatthalung province, for questioning as evidence showed that he was driving the tuk-tuk involved in the accident.
During questioning, Kitchapong confessed that on the night of the incident, he picked up two foreign tourists, a man and a woman, from Bangla road entertainment area to take them to The Nature Hotel on Kalim Beach. However, upon arrival at the hotel, the tourists said they had no cash for the fare and asked him to take them to an ATM to withdraw money.
He then took the male tourist, who was intoxicated, to withdraw money from three ATMs nearby, but he failed to get the money, so he decided to take him back to the original pickup point in Soi Bangla.
While driving past The Nature Hotel, where he had initially dropped off the two tourists, at normal speed he noticed something was wrong with the vehicle but did not stop to check. Approximately two kilometres further down the road, he realised the passenger was no longer there.
He added that he did not report the incident to the police nor mentioned it anyone else, but later found out that the British tourist had fallen from the vehicle, sustained serious injuries, and subsequently died. The tuk-tuk involved belonged to his brother, and Kitchapong had rented it from him.
The suspect was charged with two offences: Reckless conduct resulting in death, and failing to stop and give assistance plus not immediately reporting the incident to authorities.
The suspect confessed to all charges. Currently, negotiations regarding compensation are underway with the deceased’s uncle, who resides in Phuket.
Cairney, an unbeaten boxer with a record of 10 victories from 10 fights, was found by medics at 4.10 a.m. unconscious and bleeding on the road, The Daily Mail said.
A UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand.”
A spokesperson for Boxing Scotland said: “Boxing Scotland are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former international boxer Colin Cairney.
“The 22-year-old represented Scotland many times at prestigious competitions such as the European Junior Championships and the World Youth Championships.”
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Top and Front Page – British boxer Colin Cairney who died in a tuk-tuk accident in Phuket, right, and the vehicle that was involved in the incident. Photos – Amarin TV
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