Scottish boxing prospect Colin Cairney has died after falling from a tuk-tuk in Phuket, with tributes pouring in from the boxing community as Thai police confirmed the driver has been arrested and charged.
Cairney, a 22-year-old undefeated welterweight boxer from Stirling, suffered critical head injuries in the incident, which took place in the Patong area of Kathu district in the early hours of June 14.
He had been in a coma and receiving intensive care at Vachira Phuket Hospital before he died from his injuries, according to 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 from hotel security staff, Cairney had taken a red tuk-tuk from an entertainment venue after a night out with friends and was returning to his hotel.
A dispute reportedly broke out over the fare after he was unable to pay in cash. The driver then agreed to take him to an ATM so he could withdraw money.
Footage later showed the tuk-tuk travelling back towards Patong at around 4:02am without dropping Cairney off at the hotel. He later fell from the rear of the vehicle, hitting his head on the road and suffering severe injuries.
Cairney had travelled to Phuket for a holiday with relatives and friends from the United Kingdom, said Pol Maj Surachart Thongyai, chief investigator at Patong police station.
Pol Maj Surachart said alcohol may have been a factor, as the victim’s friends appeared intoxicated when they later arrived at the hospital. Blood samples have been taken for testing, with official results still pending.
A hotel security guard told police that Cairney had first tried unsuccessfully to exchange a card for cash at the hotel before deciding to withdraw money to pay the fare, estimated at between 300 and 400 baht.
A woman was also seen leaving the hotel with him, though investigators have not yet confirmed whether she was in the tuk-tuk when the incident happened.
Police said CCTV footage showed Cairney falling from the vehicle alone, with no evidence of an assault despite earlier speculation. The tuk-tuk driver did not stop to help after the fall.
Rescue workers and medics were called to the scene on Phra Barami Road in Patong, where Cairney was found with serious injuries before being taken to hospital.
Patong police have since located and questioned the driver, identified only as Kitpong, a 34-year-old man from Phatthalung province.
During questioning, the driver admitted picking up a foreign man and woman from the Bangla Road entertainment area and taking them to a hotel near Kalim Beach. When they arrived, the tourists reportedly said they had no cash and asked to be taken to an ATM.
The driver said he then took the male tourist, who appeared intoxicated, to three ATM locations, but the attempts to withdraw money were unsuccessful. He then decided to drive the passenger back to the original pickup point on Bangla Road.
While travelling along Phra Barami Road near a hotel, Mr Kitpong said he was driving at a normal speed when he sensed that something was wrong with the vehicle. However, he did not stop to check.
After driving for about two more kilometres, he realised the passenger was no longer inside the tuk-tuk.
The driver did not report the incident to police or anyone else. He 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 to provide assistance. Pol Maj Surachart said the suspect confessed to the charges.
Cairney had built an undefeated professional record of 10 wins, including six knockouts, since making his professional debut in February 2023. He also won the WBO International Youth Welterweight Title in 2025.
Kynoch Boxing Scotland also paid tribute to Cairney in a Facebook post 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.”
