An esteemed British author who received the MBE honor has passed away following a tragic incident involving an out-of-control motorbike rider in Thailand.
Barry Kenyon, aged 84 and originally from Lancashire, was struck by the motorbike while crossing the road on his way to meet friends for dinner in Pattaya on a Saturday evening. The collision occurred near a central reservation close to some traffic lights, leading to Kenyon falling to the ground. He was quickly transported to a local hospital in Lancashire, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Prior to his retirement in 1995, the 84-year-old had a career as a policeman and headteacher. After retiring, he relocated to Thailand, where he served as a British Honorary Consul and managed the local bridge club.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the accident on Thappraya Road. Lieutenant Akrapong Saenputawong, the deputy investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station, provided details of the incident. According to Saenputawong, on October 18, 2025, around 7 pm, a motorcycle driven by Mr. Rana Mama, a 38-year-old Bangladeshi national, collided with Barry Kenyon, who was crossing the road near the traffic lights. The collision occurred as the traffic light was transitioning to green, and the British pedestrian was not at a designated crosswalk. Police are currently examining CCTV footage to ascertain the precise cause of the collision. The motorcyclist tested negative for alcohol in the blood alcohol test conducted after the incident.
Following the tragic news, friends expressed their grief and paid tribute to the late author. One friend, George Albert, fondly remembered Kenyon as a “gentleman” who will be deeply missed. Albert highlighted Kenyon’s expertise in discussing intricate topics like immigration and taxation with clarity and humor. Kenyon’s profound knowledge of Thai regulations and his ability to bridge cultural differences earned him respect from both Thai authorities and expatriates.