Patong Police investigate jet-ski operator assault complaint involving American tourist

Patong Police are investigating a complaint by a jet-ski operator who alleged he was assaulted by an American tourist after a dispute over damage to rental jet-skis.

Police said the incident was reported at about 5:10pm. The new source said it happened on July 7. According to the complaint, a family of three foreign tourists rented two jet-skis before one allegedly collided with the other, causing damage.

The operator, Natthawut Dechiam, 30, told investigators he showed the tourist evidence of the alleged damage and asked for compensation. He said the tourist refused to pay and walked away toward Bangla Rd.

Mr Natthawut alleged that he followed the tourist to continue discussing the matter, and that an argument then broke out. He told police the tourist grabbed him, threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched him in the face before fleeing toward Jungceylon shopping centre.

The new source identified the tourist as Damien Williamson, 25, and described him as American. It also said the tourist fled with his wife and young daughter.

Mr Natthawut said he suffered bruising, facial swelling and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he wanted the matter handled through the legal process.

Video recorded by Mr Natthawut and later provided to the media shows part of the confrontation before the alleged assault. In the footage, he follows the tourist along Soi Seadragon while repeatedly demanding payment. The tourist continues walking at a normal pace throughout the recording.

During the exchange, the tourist says he had already paid B3,500 to rent the jet-ski, which Mr Natthawut confirms in the video. Mr Natthawut then tells the tourist, “You not pay money – you fall off jet-ski,” apparently referring to compensation for the alleged damage. The tourist repeatedly denies falling off the jet-ski.

At one point, Mr Natthawut accuses the tourist of running away, but the video shows the tourist continuing to walk without breaking stride. The tourist replies, “I am not running.” After several more seconds, the tourist says, “This is going to happen. Are you ready?” and repeats the question before the recording ends.

The footage recorded by Mr Natthawut does not show the alleged assault and does not establish what happened after recording stopped. However, the new source said CCTV footage captured the alleged attack.

The new source also said the alleged damage was a large crack along the side of one jet-ski, and that Mr Natthawut's British partner, Shannon McGinn, estimated the damage at about 25,000 baht.

Police have not released any statement from the tourist. They also have not reported independently verifying the alleged damage to the jet-skis, whether the tourist was responsible for any damage, or the content of the discussion before the alleged assault.

Patong Police said a complaint has been filed and investigators have been ordered to review CCTV footage and gather evidence to identify and locate the suspect. Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue said investigators were working to track down the foreign tourist and ensure the case is handled fairly under the law.