An 84-year-old British author has been killed after an out-of-control motorbike rider mowed him down in Thailand.
Barry Kenyon, an MBE-honoured author from Lancashire, was knocked to the ground by a motorbike while he was crossing the road as he was on his way to meet friends for dinner in Pattaya on Saturday night.
The former policeman and headteacher, who moved to Thailand 30 years ago and was an honorary British consul, collided with a Bangladeshi motorbike rider.
The Brit had reached a central reservation a few yards in front of traffic lights when the motorbike came hurtling towards him.
He was knocked to the ground and rushed to the hospital where emergency workers battled to save him before he was pronounced dead.
Police are investigating the crash along the Thappraya Road in the notorious coastal city.
Pattaya is hugely popular with British tourists and retirees, but regularly sees accidents and deaths.
Lieutenant Akrapong Saenputawong, deputy investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station, said: ‘On October 18, 2025, at around 7 pm, in front of Rung Ruang Company near the Pattaya intersection, a motorcycle ridden by Mr Rana Mama, 38, a Bangladeshi national, collided with Barry Kenyon, a British pedestrian.
Barry Kenyon, 84, has been killed after an out of control motorbike rider mowed him down in Thailand
Police are investigating the crash along the Thappraya Road in the notorious coastal city of Pattaya
Mr Kenyon ran the local bridge club which was raided by police in 2016 after officers mistook it for a gambling den and detained 31 foreigners
‘The British man was crossing the road just as the traffic light was about to turn green, and the Bangladeshi motorcyclist happened to be passing by, resulting in the collision. The location of the accident was not at a crosswalk.
‘Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to determine the exact cause of the accident.
‘Blood alcohol testing showed that the motorcyclist was not under the influence of alcohol at the time.
‘The British man died at the hospital.’
Mr Kenyon had previously served with the British police force before being appointed the Principal of Skelmersdale College.
He retired in 1995 to Pattaya, where he became a British Honorary Consul and ran the local bridge club.
The club was raided by police in 2016 after officers mistook it for a gambling den and detained 31 foreigners.
Friends have paid tributes to the 84-year-old.
George Albert said: ‘Barry was known for his clarity and humour when discussing complex issues such as immigration and taxation.
‘His deep understanding of Thai regulations and his ability to bridge cultural gaps earned him respect from both Thai authorities and expatriates.’
Another friend added: ‘Barry was such a gentleman. He will be sorely missed.’
