PHUKET, Thailand (ANN/THE NATION) – Two foreign tourists are accused of assaulting a police officer in Phuket on March 16, adding to recent incidents involving foreign nationals in altercations with locals.
The altercation unfolded as senior Police Sergeant-Major Somsak Nooiad carried out his duties along Chao Fah Tawan Ok Road in Mueang District, Phuket. He encountered two foreign men riding motorcycles at high speed in the communityDespite signals to stop, both men refused and fled, prompting Somsak to pursue them in his vehicle. The pursuit led to a noodle shop, where the riders parked their motorcycles. There, they reportedly expressed anger towards the officer, who was following them while recording the incident with his phone. Allegedly, they knocked the phone out of his hands and assaulted him while attempting to grab his gun, causing it to discharge one round.
Fortunately, no one was hit by the bullet, but Somsak sustained injuries from the assault.
Other officers arrived to assist and successfully subdued the foreigners. The case was then transferred to investigating officers at Chalong Police Station to initiate legal proceedings.
The two tourists, identified as Hamish (36) and Oscar (38) from New Zealand, allegedly attempted to bribe officials. They appeared in court for detention on Monday, with the police oppossing bail due to concerns about their status as foreign nationals with non-permanent addresses, which could pose a flight risk.
During questioning, both individuals denied the allegations and were expected to provide their statements in court.
Initially, the police charged the suspects with participating in a robbery; obstructing or resisting law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties; causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties; attempting, offering, or promising to give property or other benefits to law enforcement officers to influence their actions; and driving without a driver’s license.
Police General Surachate Hakparn, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the revocation of the suspects’ visas and emphasised rigorous legal proceedings.
Upon conclusion of the cases, they will be banned from re-entering the country.
Additionally, a message posted on the Facebook page “Phuket Info Center” alleged that the suspects are MMA fighters.
