British man seriously injured in Soi Ta-iad clash as Phuket police investigate

A British man suffered a serious slash wound to his arm in a late-night clash with a Thai man on Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, and police say the investigation is continuing.

Chalong Police said officers were notified at about 11pm on Sunday, June 14, of a brawl between a Thai man and a foreign national outside Tony’s Restaurant on Soi Ta-iad. Officers attended the scene, documented evidence and launched an investigation.

According to statements given by the Thai man, identified as Waiphusit Phromsuwan, 50, the dispute began after he warned the foreigner about allegedly reckless motorcycle riding. Mr Waiphusit said the two exchanged insults before the confrontation turned physical.

Mr Waiphusit told police and reporters that he then left the scene and returned home, believing the matter had ended. He alleged that the foreigner later returned with two women and carrying a metal object, and that a further argument escalated into a violent confrontation involving weapons.

Police said the exact sequence of events remains unclear. They confirmed that both men were injured, with the British man sustaining a serious slash wound to his arm and Mr Waiphusit suffering injuries including a bruised eye.

Social media posts after the incident alleged the foreigner had a knife and an aluminium pipe, but police have not publicly confirmed those claims. Police also said that although Mr Waiphusit acknowledged that a sword was used during the fight, it has not been established where the weapon came from or when it was introduced.

Speaking to The Phuket News, investigating officer Pol Lt Col Kanen Somrak said police had not yet determined who started the fight because they had only heard one side of the story.

“It is impossible to say who started the fight yet because we have not heard the British man’s version,” Lt Col Kanen said.

He said both parties appeared to bear responsibility and could potentially face assault charges if legal proceedings move forward. He also confirmed that Mr Waiphusit filed a complaint after the incident.

Police later learned that the British national had already returned to the United Kingdom. Investigators are now trying to contact him through diplomatic channels to obtain his statement.

No compensation agreement or settlement has been reached between the parties, police said.

Mr Waiphusit, known locally as “Kru Oh”, works as an instructor of traditional Muay Thai and Thai sword fighting on Soi Ta-iad, a well-known Phuket training area for Muay Thai and mixed martial arts athletes. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.