PHUKET — Police in Patong have arrested three British nationals following a road rage incident that occurred on March 8 near Patong Hospital in Kathu district, Phuket.
The incident began when a white four-door Ford pickup truck with Phuket red license plates collided with a motorcycle in front of Patong Hospital. According to reports, after the collision, a foreign driver exited the vehicle and threatened the motorcycle rider with a knife.
Following an investigation, Patong Police detective unit apprehended all three foreign nationals on March 13. Police revealed that they tracked down the three men by tracing the pickup truck’s registration.
During questioning at Patong Police Station, the 26-year-old pickup driver admitted to threatening the motorcyclist with a knife. He also claimed he had obtained the vehicle from his cousin, who had rented it before returning to the UK.
The victim, 38-year-old Surasak Kongbua, told police earlier that the incident happened around 5:15 p.m. on March 8 while he was on his way to purchase equipment for a home repair job.
“I saw the green light at the intersection near Patong Hospital and proceeded normally. I didn’t see the pickup truck coming from the left until it crashed into me, causing my bike to slide about 20 meters,” Surasak explained.
After the crash, bystanders came to help. When Surasak informed the foreigners he was calling police, the situation escalated. The three men attempted to flee in their vehicle, but Surasak tried to prevent their escape.
“When the driver braked and the passenger opened the door, I backed away fearing for my safety,” Surasak recounted. “Then the driver ran toward me and pulled out a knife. I pretended to reach into my pocket, which made them hesitate before they got back in the truck and drove away.”
Police have charged the driver with reckless driving causing physical or mental harm and property damage, which carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 1 month, a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both. He was also charged with carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable cause, an offense that carries a fine of up to 1,000 baht, and the court has the authority to confiscate the weapon.
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