PHUKET — 8 July 2026, Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet ski operator at Patong Beach after allegedly refusing to pay for damage caused in a jet ski collision.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Patong Beach in Kathu district after the tourist allegedly crashed a rented jet ski into another watercraft, causing damage. According to the operator, the tourist refused to pay for the repairs, walked away from the beach and later allegedly attacked the caretaker during a dispute.
The jet ski operator said he initially tried to resolve the matter amicably, explaining that there was clear evidence showing the tourist had damaged the jet ski. However, the tourist allegedly refused to compensate for the damage and walked toward Bangla Road.
The operator said he followed the tourist to ask why he would not accept responsibility, prompting a heated argument. He alleged the tourist then lifted him and slammed him to the ground before repeatedly punching him in the face and fleeing the scene.
Doctors later found the victim had sustained multiple injuries, including facial swelling, extensive bruising and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he wanted the matter to be handled through legal channels.
The victim later filed a complaint with investigators at Patong Police Station, telling officers that a family of three foreign tourists—a man, a woman and a child—had rented two jet skis before one of the watercrafts was damaged in the collision.
According to his statement, the family walked toward Bangla Road after refusing to pay for the damage. When he followed them, the man allegedly assaulted him before fleeing toward Jungceylon Shopping Centre.
Pol. Col. Korakrit Khankhruea, superintendent of Patong Police Station, said investigators had been ordered to review CCTV footage and gather evidence to identify and locate the suspect.
He said police would pursue legal action while ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
The victim is seeking compensation for both the damaged jet ski and his injuries, and called on authorities to take firm action against tourists who break the law to help maintain confidence among tourism operators and workers in Phuket.