A British boxer is currently hospitalized in Thailand after sustaining severe head injuries when he fell from a moving tuk-tuk following a dispute over a taxi fare. Colin Cairney, 29, was involved in the incident in Phuket’s Patong district during the early hours of Saturday and is now in intensive care.
Authorities are searching for the tuk-tuk driver who allegedly drove away after Cairney was ejected from the vehicle. It is believed that Cairney, from Stirling, central Scotland, was on his way back to his hotel after a night out when a disagreement arose over payment for the ride. CCTV footage indicated the tuk-tuk passed by The Nature Hotel without stopping and later returned towards Patong.
Police investigations have ruled out any assault, suggesting Cairney fell from the tuk-tuk without being pushed, leading to a catastrophic head injury. Emergency services responded to a call reporting a man injured near a pedestrian crossing on Phra Baramee Road around 4:10am. Cairney was initially taken to Patong Hospital and later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for specialized treatment.
Tests for alcohol and drugs have been conducted, with results pending release. The registered owner of the tuk-tuk has been located, stating the vehicle was rented out to another individual for use as a taxi. Efforts are underway to locate the driver for questioning.
If Cairney’s condition deteriorates and results in fatality, the driver could potentially face charges including negligent driving causing death, failure to stop and assist an injured person, and failure to notify authorities.
