PHUKET — A tuk-tuk driver has confessed to charges in connection with the death of Scottish professional boxer Colin Cairney, 22, who fell from a public vehicle in Patong and later died, police said.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 14 June 2026 on Phra Baramee Road in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket.
Police at Patong Station confirmed they have detained and questioned the driver of the vehicle involved.
According to investigators, the suspect, a 34-year-old man from Phatthalung province identified only as Kittipong, was summoned for questioning on 15 June after evidence linked him to the incident.
During questioning, the driver confessed that he picked up two foreign tourists, a man and a woman, from the Bangla Road nightlife area and drove them to a hotel near Kalim Beach. He said the male passenger, who was intoxicated, later asked to be taken to several ATMs after claiming he had no cash to pay the fare.
The driver said he brought the passenger to three nearby ATM locations, but the withdrawal attempts were unsuccessful. He then decided to return the passengers to the original pick-up point.
While driving past the hotel where they had initially stopped, the driver said he was travelling at normal speed when he noticed something unusual with the vehicle but did not stop to check. He later realized, after driving about 2 kilometres, that the passenger was no longer in the vehicle.
He did not report the incident to authorities at the time, and only later learned that the Scottish passenger had fallen from the tuk-tuk, sustained serious injuries and died.
Police said the tuk-tuk involved belonged to the suspect’s brother and was being rented for passenger service.
Following questioning, authorities charged the driver with two offences: reckless driving causing death, and failing to stop and report the incident or provide assistance after the accident.
The suspect has reportedly confessed to all charges during the investigation stage. Police also said discussions are underway regarding compensation with the victim’s uncle, who resides in Phuket.