Paul Lupi was involved in a serious scooter accident in Phuket, Thailand. Photo / Supplied
A popular Kiwi man fighting for his life after a scooter crash in Thailand is now breathing on his own, his family confirmed this morning.
Wellingtonian Paul 'PJ' Lupi, 28, is in a coma after Monday's incident.
His father, also Paul, and brother Mark are at his bedside at the private Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok.
The Lupi family say PJ is now breathing for himself, although he is still in a coma.
His vital signs are stable and his body "is showing signs of healing".
It costs $6000 a night to keep PJ Lupi at the hospital and a Givealittle page set up to raise money for his medical costs reached $139,000 at 10.30am today - its target is $150,000. So far, 1434 people have donated.
"The family wish to thank everyone on behalf of PJ for the donations and prayers that are literally keeping PJ alive, we are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of everybody who has helped," the Lupi family said today.
PJ Lupi 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 Lupi hit his head and suffered severe facial injuries, though he was wearing a helmet.
He did not have travel insurance cover and his family has urged all Kiwis heading overseas to make sure they do.
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