PHUKET: Sources at a Phuket hospital said today that it's unlikely an Australian man who suffered serious injuries when coming off his motorcycle was attacked by thugs.

''The crash came at 12.30am near a 7-Eleven and a popular pub in Nai Harn, so if the man was attacked, the attackers picked an usual spot in which to do it,'' the hospital source said.

''The fact that he lost his wallet and a mobile telephone could have been because there were so many people around. Someone may have picked them up and made off with them.''

The crash that injured Australian Daniel Ketley took place on June 8 and he left Vachira Phuket Hospital on June 13, the source said. His serious head injuries are consistent with hitting a pole.

His parents have told a Phuket tabloid that they believe Daniel could have been a victim of an attack, even though Chalong police say he crashed his motorcycle in Soi Saiyuen into a pole, an explanation for the lack of other injuries.

It has not been reported whether he was wearing a helmet.

Mr Ketley, a Muay Thai fighter, is now recovering with the help of his parents on Phuket.