UPDATE: British man arrested after second disturbance in Soi Ta-iad

A 24-year-old British man was arrested in Phuket's Chalong area after police said he caused a second public disturbance within two days and was charged with consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances to the point of intoxication and behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place.

Police identified the suspect as Hamish Lockhart Birnie Brown, who they said was in Phuket to train in Muay Thai in Soi Ta-iad, a popular fitness and training district in Chalong, in Mueang Phuket district.

The latest incident happened on June 2. Police said officers were called to the scene in Soi Ta-iad at around 11 am, while the new report said residents made a report at about noon claiming a foreign man appeared intoxicated, was speaking incoherently and was causing a disturbance.

According to police, Brown was seen challenging passers-by to a fight, climbing over fences, wandering onto private property, blocking oncoming vehicles and behaving erratically. Officers ordered him to sit down, but police said he instead sprawled on the pavement, obstructed traffic and repeatedly told officers that he loved them.

Police said he resisted attempts to search him, refused to cooperate and attempted to flee. Officers used a taser to subdue him before pinning him down and tying his hands and feet with rope, then took him into custody at Chalong Police Station. Police said he was later handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Chakkrapong Petchrat said Brown had already caused panic the previous day. Videos and photos of the June 1 incident were widely shared on social media after a Chalong resident posted footage showing a shirtless foreign man sitting in front of a house and repeatedly knocking on the door.

The homeowner reported that the man attempted to take a raincoat and helmet left outside the property, causing fear and concern for residents' safety. Police said officers responding to the incident brought Brown to the police station for questioning, where he had valid identification and residency documents and was able to communicate coherently. As the homeowner did not wish to file a complaint, officers issued a warning and returned him to his accommodation.

Police later revealed that before the house incident, officers had been called to a convenience store on Chao Fah Road, where a shirtless foreign man wearing boxing shorts had allegedly taken food and drinks without paying. According to police, another person later paid for the items and store staff did not wish to pursue legal action. Officers then located the man in a nearby alley after receiving reports that he was knocking on doors in the area, warned him again and escorted him back to his accommodation.

In the June 2 incident, police said Brown carried no weapons, smelled of cannabis and appeared unable to control himself.

The case drew attention because it took place in Soi Ta-iad, an area well known in Phuket for fitness, martial arts and training camps. Chalong Police urged residents to report anyone exhibiting disruptive or potentially dangerous behaviour so officers can respond promptly.