PHUKET — A Belarusian tourist was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning after causing a disturbance while heavily intoxicated near a beachfront hotel in Karon, Phuket. Police required backup to subdue the individual.
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on December 11, Karon Police Station patrol officers responded to reports of an intoxicated foreigner causing a disturbance near a beachfront hotel in Karon district. Upon arrival, officers attempted to control the situation, but the man, wearing only underwear, resisted and fought back against the authorities.
Despite attempts by his wife to calm him down, the situation escalated as the suspect became more aggressive and damaged police patrol vehicle property. Officers eventually managed to arrest the individual, identified as Mr. Siarhei, a 39-year-old Belarusian national. He faces three charges: public intoxication and disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assaulting police officers.
Police Colonel Kundet Na Nongkhai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, explained that officers initially attempted to resolve the situation using minimal force. The arrest took approximately 10 minutes to complete.
“When dealing with unarmed tourists who have lost control due to excessive drinking, we try to use appropriate force. However, when we realized the suspect’s physical strength and the potential for injury, we had to call for reinforcements,” he stated.
Later this morning, the suspect’s wife and three children visited him after he had sobered up. The family was scheduled to depart Thailand today due to their visas expiring on December 11. While Phuket Tourist Police assisted the family with their travel arrangements, Mr. Siarhei must remain in Phuket to face legal proceedings. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 12.
Under Thai law, resisting arrest and obstructing police officers carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment or a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both. If such resistance involves the use or threat of violence, the maximum penalty increases to two years imprisonment.
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