A FARMER has claimed Finland’s minister for foreign affairs caused a motorbike crash that left him with devastating injuries while he was holidaying in Thailand.

Timothy John Hook, of Cote near Witney, was in Phuket in February 2016 when he was involved in the crash that caused blood poisoning and haematomas.

The 71-year-old claims that Timo Soini – who formerly served as Finland’s deputy Prime Minister – caused the accident and owes him nearly £80,000 in damages.

Since this story was first published, Mr Soini has denied the allegations. The Finnish politician said in a post on his website that Mr Hook's accusations are incorrect, stating that he was in Washington DC, in the US, at the time of the alleged crash. He said he has never been to Phuket.

Mr Hook, during a visit to Phuket in early 2016, went out to buy some fruit from a stall on the evening of February 4.

As he headed back to his hotel on a small Honda 125cc motorbike he noticed another bike on the road behind him approaching at speed.

When the other bike, a Harley Davidson, neared Mr Hook, it careered into the central reservation before cannoning off into Mr Hook’s Honda.

The farmer was flung into the air, landing on his head in the centre of the road.

He was later told that the rider who caused the crash was Mr Soini.

Mr Hook said he later met with Mr Soini, who apologised.

He said he was then asked to sign a document absolving Mr Soini of responsibility, which he refused to do.

The 71-year-old suffered significant injuries as a result of the crash, including blood poisoning and haematoma in his skull.

He had to undergo surgery to drain the two haematomas and later had all his teeth removed due to damage and infection.

Mr Hook is seeking damages through law firm Bircham Dyson Bell for medical expenses and other costs incurred as a result of the injuries.

He said that Mr Soini is refusing to accept letters from his solicitor’s and is eager to receive payment before time for a claim expires at the three-year mark.

He said: “If I had been a smaller person I would have been killed. There is no question that he is the one who did it. You could say now that I need more – but basically I’m only after my expenses. I’m trying to give him a way out. These are my expenses and I can back them all up.

“He doesn’t want to admit what he’s done because he’s a politician but I see no reason why he should get away with it.”