BANGKOK — 8 July 2026, Patong police arrested a 25-year-old American man at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he allegedly assaulted a jet ski attendant in Phuket and attempted to leave Thailand.
The suspect, identified as Williamson, was taken into custody while preparing to board an international flight. He was later transferred back to Patong Police Station for legal proceedings.
The arrest followed an incident on 7 July, when the victim, Nattawut Dech-iam, who works as a jet ski attendant, rented out two jet skis to the American tourist.
After the watercraft were returned, the attendant allegedly discovered that both jet skis had been damaged. He approached the tourist to seek compensation, but the man reportedly refused to pay and walked away toward Bangla Road.
The attendant followed him to Soi Sea Dragon, where the suspect allegedly punched and assaulted him, causing injuries, before fleeing the scene.
Video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread public attention.
At 15:30 on 8 July, investigators from Patong Police Station tracked the suspect to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where he was arrested before he could depart the country.
Police said CCTV footage shows the victim following the American tourist to demand compensation before the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation in Soi Sea Dragon, Patong.
The suspect has been returned to Phuket to face legal action.
