Kiwi in coma gave his father a 'big hug'

Paul Lupi has been in a coma since a scooter accident in Phuket last week. Photo / Supplied

The New Zealand man critically injured in a scooter crash in Thailand has been moved to a ward as he continues his recovery from a coma.

Paul 'PJ' Lupi, 28, suffered severe facial injuries and was in a coma following a scooter crash in the holiday destination of Phuket on July 6.

In an email update yesterday, the Lupi family said PJ was deemed "out of danger" and had been moved from the intensive care unit to a ward.

PJ would require 24-hour cover to ensure he did not pull the oxygen tubes off his face and to prevent him pulling himself over the side of the bed.

"A small sacrifice to pay for this major step forward," the Lupi family said.

After PJ was shifted from intensive care to his new room he "wrapped his arms around" his father in a "big hug".

PJ's brother Joseph Lupi said in an email: "It's heart-warming stuff and the support team over there took great comfort from his progress."

Options are being explored to get PJ home on a flight to New Zealand around July 28.

PJ had been on holiday in Thailand for about 10 days, with his girlfriend Amy who had returned to New Zealand the previous day, when he crashed.

It was unclear exactly what happened, but PJ hit his head and suffered severe facial injuries, despite wearing a helmet.

As PJ did not have travel insurance cover a Givealittle page was set up to help pay for his hospital care. His family has urged all Kiwis heading overseas to make sure they take out travel insurance.

The page has now raised more than $170,000 from 1700 donations.