Scottish boxer critically injured after fall from moving tuk-tuk in Patong

A 22-year-old Scottish boxer remains in intensive care in Phuket after suffering critical head injuries in a fall from a moving tuk-tuk in Patong early in the morning, police said.

Police said Mr Cairney, from Stirling, Scotland, fell from the rear of the vehicle at about 4:02am and the back of his head struck the road. He was first taken to Patong Hospital and later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Pol Lt Col Surachat Thongyai, the investigating officer, said Mr Cairney’s condition was considered “50/50” because of the severity of the head trauma.

According to police, Mr Cairney had been holidaying in Phuket with relatives and friends from the United Kingdom. Investigators said he had earlier visited an entertainment venue before trying to return to his hotel by tuk-tuk.

Officers said a dispute over the fare arose when the vehicle reached the hotel. A hotel security guard told police that Mr Cairney tried to use his bank card to exchange funds at the hotel but was unsuccessful and needed to withdraw cash from an ATM. Police said the fare was estimated at between B300 and B400.

Investigators believe that after obtaining money, Mr Cairney got back into the vehicle. Instead of turning into the hotel entrance, however, the tuk-tuk continued past the property and accelerated away, police said.

CCTV footage reviewed by officers reportedly shows Mr Cairney falling alone from the back of the vehicle and landing face-up in the middle of the road. Pol Lt Col Surachat said the vehicle was travelling at speed but there was no sudden acceleration, and that Mr Cairney had been positioned near the rear when he fell.

Police said no vehicles were immediately behind the tuk-tuk at the time, which may have prevented even more serious injuries.

A woman was reportedly with Mr Cairney earlier in the evening, but police have not determined whether she was still in the vehicle when he fell. CCTV footage does not show any other passengers at that moment, investigators said.

Police initially examined whether the injuries could have been caused by an assault because of the nature of the wounds. After witness interviews and CCTV review, officers concluded the injuries were consistent with a fall from the moving vehicle.

Investigators believe the driver would likely have known that a passenger had fallen. Police have identified the vehicle through CCTV and information recorded by a hotel security guard, including the registration plate number. The registered owner told police the tuk-tuk had been rented to another driver at the time of the incident.

Police are now trying to identify and locate the driver. Officers said they are seeking statements from both the owner and the driver and may issue a summons if they do not cooperate.

Pol Lt Col Surachat said that if Mr Cairney’s injuries prove fatal, the driver could face charges including negligent driving causing death, failing to stop and render assistance, and failing to report the incident.

The investigation is continuing.