Scots tourist’s lip left ‘hanging off’ after horror scooter crash on Thailand trip

A Scottish tourist’s volunteering trip to assist sick animals in Thailand took a traumatic turn when he was involved in a devastating scooter accident that resulted in his upper lip being severely injured.

Paul McDonald, 33, was on his way to a supermarket in Koh Phangan, Thailand, on Monday, November 11, when he collided with another scooter, causing him to be thrown over the handlebars and knocking him unconscious. The crash left him with a lip injury that required stitches to prevent it from hanging off. Paul underwent treatment at a hospital where he had two teeth extracted, and he incurred around £800 in medical expenses not covered by his insurance.

Despite hoping to fund his two-month trip with £1,500, Paul’s expenses quickly escalated due to the accident. Additionally, he had to pay nearly £700 in damages to the other driver, even though he believed the crash was not his fault and that the scooter he was riding had faulty brakes.

Capture footage of the incident on TikTok showed Paul riding the scooter before the accident occurred, causing him to scream as he and the phone fell to the ground. Subsequent images depicted Paul in the hospital with bandages, awaiting further dental and wound care.

Having lost his beloved 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lola, Paul embarked on the volunteer trip with the intention of finding solace in helping animals. However, the financial strain and physical injuries from the accident have forced him to reconsider his plans and cut his trip short.

Paul, from Edinburgh, described his harrowing experience, highlighting the need for improved safety measures on Thailand’s roads and expressing his decision to avoid riding scooters in the future. He also recounted the challenges of negotiating with the scooter owner and another driver involved in the crash, as well as the emotional toll of having to borrow money from his sister to cover expenses.

As Paul focuses on his recovery and navigating the aftermath of the accident, he emphasised the importance of prioritising his health before determining his next steps. Tourist Police Thailand has been contacted for comment on the incident.

In conclusion, accidents can happen unexpectedly even during well-intentioned trips abroad. Paul’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance and cautious decision-making, especially when engaging in unfamiliar modes of transportation in foreign countries.