An esteemed British author who received an MBE honor has passed away following a tragic accident in Thailand involving an out-of-control motorbike rider.
Barry Kenyon, aged 84 and hailing from Lancashire, was fatally struck by a motorcyclist while crossing the road on his way to a dinner gathering with friends in Pattaya on Saturday evening. The incident occurred near some traffic lights at a central reservation, where the motorbike rider collided with Kenyon, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite being promptly taken to a local hospital in Lancashire, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Kenyon, a former policeman and headteacher, had retired in 1995 and 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, which occurred on Thappraya Road. Lieutenant Akrapong Saenputawong, deputy investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station, stated that the collision occurred between Barry Kenyon, a British pedestrian, and a motorcycle ridden by Mr. Rana Mama, a 38-year-old Bangladeshi national. The tragic event unfolded around 7 pm on October 18, 2025, near the Pattaya intersection, as Kenyon was crossing the road just before the traffic light changed. The motorcyclist, who was passing by, collided with Kenyon at a non-crosswalk area. Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage to ascertain the precise cause of the accident, confirming that the motorcyclist was sober at the time of the incident.
Devastated friends have paid heartfelt tributes to the late author, with one fondly remembering him as a “gentleman” who will be deeply missed. George Albert, a close pal, praised Kenyon for his insightful discussions on intricate topics like immigration and taxation, highlighting his profound knowledge of Thai laws and his talent for bridging cultural differences, which garnered him widespread respect within both the Thai and expatriate communities.