He is reported to have hit a roadside concrete pillar with his chest, causing severe internal injuries. He died on the way to Surat Thani Hospital.
In Phuket he lived quietly in a modest home next to the beach at Ao Yon, with his motor yacht moored offshore. He was known for his quiet philanthropy, including donations to the Phuket International Women’s Club, as well as taking groups of Thai children from impoverished backgrounds for trips on his boat.
A fellow bike enthusiast said that Mr Cattle was a “nice and relaxed guy” who was a “slow and controlled bike rider”.
Mr Cattle’s former wife and daughter arrived in Phuket this week. His body will be flown back to Australia where the funeral will be held.
Originally from Belgium, Mr Cattle moved to Western Australia after graduating from university and initially worked as a jackaroo – a farm hand.
He told the WA Business News, “When I was in university I realised the opportunities in Europe were very limited. I also liked the Australian ethos – reward for effort.”
He moved swiftly into business, quickly coming to own news and travel agencies and taking a role in the business development of his new home town, Esperance.
In the early 1980s he bought the SkyWest Airlines agency in Esperance, parlaying that into a share of the airline itself until, in 2002, he left the airline after an acrimonious dispute among board members, though retaining his 10-per-cent share.
He also owned an airport handling company, managing check-in and baggage handling services on behalf of airlines.
Outside business he was a campaigner for the environment in Esperance, successfully forcing the port authorities there to store iron ore shipments in enclosed sheds to prevent clouds of red dust enveloping the town.