UK tourist Tiger Duggan dies in Bangkok after Koh Samui motorbike crash

Tiger Duggan, a 23-year-old British tourist, died in Bangkok after never regaining consciousness from a motorbike crash on Koh Samui during his birthday trip.

Duggan spent 19 days in a coma following the accident. His family launched a fundraising campaign that raised £200,000 (approximately ฿8.8 million) to cover his medical treatment in Thailand.

According to reports, Duggan died with his mother by his side in Bangkok, where he had been transferred for specialized care after the initial treatment on Koh Samui.

The crash happened during what was supposed to be a birthday celebration on the popular Thai island. Motorbike accidents involving tourists are unfortunately common on Thailand's islands, where many visitors rent bikes without proper licensing or experience with local traffic conditions.

What this means for travelers

This tragedy highlights the real risks of motorbike travel in Thailand. Koh Samui, like most Thai islands, has narrow, often steep roads that can be challenging even for experienced riders. Many tourists rent bikes without considering:

• Thai traffic patterns — different from Western countries
• Road conditions — can change quickly, especially during rain
• Insurance coverage — many travel policies don't cover motorbike accidents
• Medical costs — serious injuries require expensive treatment or medical evacuation

The £200,000 raised by Duggan's family shows just how expensive emergency medical care can be in Thailand, especially for serious injuries requiring extended treatment.

The reality of island motorbike rentals

Rental shops on Koh Samui and other islands rarely ask for motorcycle licenses. They'll hand over keys for ฿200-300 per day without much question. But Thai roads — even on tourist islands — aren't forgiving to inexperienced riders.

If you do rent a bike:

• Get proper insurance that covers motorbike accidents
• Wear a helmet — always, even for short trips
• Start slow — practice in quiet areas first
• Check the bike — brakes, lights, tire condition

The family hasn't released details about the specific circumstances of the crash. Duggan's death serves as another reminder that what seems like a simple way to get around the islands can turn tragic quickly.

For what it's worth, taxis and songthaews cost more — usually ฿100-200 for short trips around Koh Samui — but they're infinitely safer than riding unfamiliar roads on an unfamiliar bike.

Planning a Thailand trip? See what it actually costs with our free budget calculator.

Book Activities:

• GetYourGuide — Tours & experiences

Travel Insurance:

• SafetyWing — From $42/month for nomads

---

Source: UK’s Tiger Duggan dies in Bangkok. Never regained consciousness after a motorbike crash on Koh Samui