Motorbike taxi driver assaults UAE tourists in Patong

Patong Police are currently investigating an assault involving a motorbike taxi driver and two tourists from the United Arab Emirates, which took place on July 29. The incident occurred in Soi Saen Sabai, in front of the Hallo Massage shop, and left the two tourists injured.

Incident Details

The assault was reported to police around 10 pm. The victims, identified as 33-year-old Mohamed Abdulla Hassan Mirak Alblooshi and 25-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Ali Ibrahim, were walking near the massage shop when they were approached by a motorbike taxi driver. The driver honked at them to clear the way, and after they moved aside, he parked his motorbike, walked up to them, and punched both tourists before fleeing the scene.

Suspect Identification

The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Patthipat Phuengpisawong, who is registered as living in Moo 6, Kathu. According to a police spokesperson, “The victims reported the assault to the investigative officer, who is now working to track down and apprehend the suspect for prosecution.”

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing as police continue their efforts to locate the suspect and bring him to justice. The Phuket News reported that the authorities are actively pursuing the case to ensure the suspect is held accountable for the assault.

Related Incident: Tourist Assault Outside Patong Mall

In a related incident, another motorbike taxi driver assault occurred outside a prominent shopping mall in Patong Beach. On July 15, at approximately 3 am, a group of motorbike taxi drivers brutally assaulted a tourist, leaving him unconscious. The attack was captured on video and shared on Facebook by Phuket Info Centre, sparking outrage and criticism from netizens.

Video Evidence

The video shows three drivers kicking the tourist until he lay unconscious on the roadside. A bystanding male tourist attempted to intervene, but the group of drivers walked away shortly after. Subsequently, a female tourist arrived by motorbike and assisted the injured individual. The 20-second video was shared with a caption urging police and relevant authorities to take action.

Public Reaction and Call for Action

These incidents have drawn significant public attention and criticism, highlighting concerns over the safety of tourists in Patong. Netizens have expressed outrage over the violent behavior of the motorbike taxi drivers and called for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion

The Patong Police are under pressure to resolve these cases swiftly and ensure justice for the victims. The ongoing investigations and public outcry underscore the need for heightened security measures and stricter oversight of motorbike taxi drivers to protect tourists and maintain Patong's reputation as a safe travel destination.