THE mother of a Canvey man who is still in a coma five months after he was assaulted in Thailand has spoken of her frustration with the police investigation.

Paul Ayling, 47, was hit over the head with a lump of wood by one of two men who jumped out at him as he was driving a motorbike in Hua Hin, Thailand, on November 21 last year.

He has been in a coma ever since and doctors fear he may have suffered severe brain damage.

Mr Ayling lived on Canvey for more than 30 years before emigrating to Thailand with his wife Justine and nine-year-old son Scott, last year.

His parents, who also live in Thailand, are frustrated no-one has been charged with the brutal assault.

His mother Anita, 69, said: “The police do not seem to want to help us here.

“My husband goes to the police station every week to see how the investigation is progressing, but we get no response.

“We did get in touch with the British Embassy in Bangkok which has tried to do all it could. Staff there say their hands are tied with the Thai police here.”

Mr Ayling’s family suspect the attackers were hired after he refused to pay decorators who worked on his home.

They were given names of men who it is believed may have carried out the attack and passed them to police.

However, Mrs Ayling said: “The police did have them in for questioning, but could only hold them for 84 days.”

Mr Ayling endured three operations in Thailand which reduced swelling on his brain and removed blood clots.

He was flown back to Southend Hospital in March and transferred to Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow, last week.

His wife and son are staying in Southend.

Mr Ayling’s mother is desperate to secure justice for her son and hopes by publicising his story, someone might come forward with information to help secure the attackers’ arrest.

Anyone who might be able to help is asked to e-mail anita ayling@hotmail.com