2 Frenchmen arrested for assault on Thai motorcyclist in Phuket Songkran celebrations

Two French nationals were arrested in Phuket on April 14 after allegedly assaulting a Thai motorcyclist who refused to join a Songkran water fight the previous day. The incident occurred on April 13 at about 4pm on Soi Tan, Phra Metta Road, Kathu district, leaving 29-year-old Kunanya Phokham with serious injuries, police said.

Sequence of Events and Injuries

According to Maytinee Sila, the victim’s 27-year-old girlfriend, Kunanya was riding to meet her near Marine Market when he encountered a group of foreigners blocking the road for Songkran festivities. She reported that after Kunanya signaled he did not wish to participate, one foreigner threw water in his face and struck him with a water gun.

Kunanya stopped to confront the group, at which point another foreigner punched him from behind, followed by four more joining the assault. Witnesses transported Kunanya to Patong Hospital, where he was treated for facial injuries and bruising.

Police Response and Related Incidents

Police identified and detained two suspects, Bouboune Nicolas Florent and Heraoui Abdelkrim, both French nationals, the day after the incident. As of April 16, both men remain in custody at Patong Police Station for questioning, with no formal charges announced.

This case follows multiple reports of violence and disruptive behaviour involving foreigners during Songkran in Phuket, including an April 14 incident where motorists were harassed by a group blocking a road for water fights. Local residents have called for stricter enforcement against such actions during festival periods.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/2-frenchmen-arrested-for-assault-on-thai-motorcyclist-in-phuket-songkran-festival