Paul Ancell was found lying on the ground surrounded by blood. Nearby was the 1,000cc Yamaha R1 superbike he had rented from a motorbike shop in Patong.
Police blamed speed for the accident; they said Mr Ancell was seen by officers at a checkpoint just before crash, driving very fast.
Chalong Police Station Superintendent Pol Col Kitipas Dejintrasorn told The Phuket News, “Right now we are checking how it happened, and collecting CCTV footage from the accident site, along with witness accounts.”
The Briton’s death was the second in two days involving a big bike. On Saturday, Malaysian Loh Zhi Wei, 29 crashed and died just north of the notorious Baan Kor Ane bend in the north of the island.
At about 9.15am on Saturday Mr Loh was riding with friends from Malaysia, making their way home after Phuket Bike Week. Police believe he lost control then hit with roadside, falling and banging his head on the tarmac.
Despite wearing a helmet, he died. His body was sent to Haad Yai on the Thai-Malaysia border for repatriation today.