A rising Scottish boxing star has died after falling from a tuk-tuk in Phuket, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his boxing club, while the Thai driver has been arrested and charged.
Colin Cairney, a 22-year-old undefeated welterweight champion, suffered critical injuries after the incident in the Patong area of Kathu district in the early hours of June 14.
He had remained in a coma and was receiving intensive treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, said his club, 1314 Boxing Club in Stirling, Scotland.
“He was not just a member of the club, but family. He was an important part of Team 1314 and meant so much to many people,” the club said in a tribute posted on its Facebook page.
According to CCTV footage and information provided by hotel security personnel, before the incident, Cairney had taken a red tuk-tuk from an entertainment venue to return to his hotel after a night of partying with friends.
However, a dispute reportedly arose over the fare, as he did not have cash to pay. It was agreed that the driver would take him to withdraw money from an ATM.
Video later showed the tuk-tuk travelling back towards Patong at 4.02am without dropping off the passenger. Cairney subsequently fell from the rear of the vehicle, striking his head on the road and sustaining severe injuries.
Cairney had travelled to Phuket for a holiday with relatives and friends from the United Kingdom, according to Pol Maj Surachart Thongyai, chief investigator at the Patong police station.
He said alcohol might have been a factor as the victim’s friends appeared intoxicated when they later arrived at the hospital. Blood samples have been collected for testing, with official results still pending.
A hotel security guard told police that Cairney had unsuccessfully attempted to exchange a card for cash at the hotel before deciding to withdraw cash to pay the fare, estimated at 300 to 400 baht.
A woman was seen leaving the hotel with him, but police investigators have not yet confirmed whether she was in the tuk-tuk at the time of the incident.
CCTV footage confirmed that Cairney fell from the vehicle alone, with no evidence of an assault despite earlier speculation. The tuk-tuk driver did not stop to render assistance after the incident. (Story continues below)
Rescue workers and medics prepare to take a Scottish boxer to a hospital for treatment of severe injuries after he fell from a tuk-tuk in the Patong area of Phuket in the early hours of Sunday, June 14. Colin Cairney, 22, subsequently died. (Photo supplied/Achadthaya Chuenniran)
Driver questioned
Patong police have since located and questioned the driver, identified only as Kitpong, a 34-year-old native of Phatthalung province.
During questioning, the driver admitted picking up a foreign man and woman from the Bangla Road entertainment district and taking them to a hotel near Kalim Beach. Upon arrival, the tourists reportedly said they had no cash to pay the fare and asked to be taken to an ATM.
The driver said he then drove the male tourist, who appeared intoxicated, to three separate ATM locations, but all attempts to withdraw money failed. He subsequently decided to return the passenger to the original pickup point on Bangla Road.
While driving along Phra Barami Road near a hotel, Mr Kitpong said he was travelling at a normal speed when he sensed that something was not right with the vehicle. However, he did not stop to check.
After driving at about two kilometres further, he realised the passenger was no longer in the vehicle.
The driver did not report the incident to police or anyone else and only later learned that the passenger had fallen from the tuk-tuk, suffered serious injuries and died.
Police have charged the driver with negligence causing death and failing to stop and provide assistance. The suspect confessed to the charges, said Pol Maj Surachart.
Cairney had an undefeated professional record in 10 fights, including six knockouts, since he began competing in February 2023. He won the WBO International Youth Welterweight Title in 2025.
Kynoch Boxing Scotland also posted a tribute on its Facebook page on Wednesday: “We are devastated at the news of Colin’s passing at just 22 years of age,” it said.
“Colin was one of the stars of our stable. Inside the ring he brought excitement every time. Outside of the ring he was an absolute gentleman who was highly regarded by everyone.”
