Phuket shop owner alleges two foreign women assaulted employee over disputed change

A Phuket shop owner has alleged that two foreign women assaulted a female employee during a dispute over change at a market shop in Phuket Town on 29 September.

According to Phuket Times, the incident happened at about 6.30pm. The women reportedly said they had paid with a B1,000 banknote for goods costing B100 but had received only B500 in change. The employee insisted she had returned B900 and asked the women to wait while the shop owner reviewed CCTV footage.

The women allegedly said they were in a hurry and demanded an additional B400. Footage shared by Phuket Times reportedly showed the women arguing with the employee before one or both pushed her on the shoulder, causing her back to hit a wall.

Another staff member intervened and asked the customers to wait for the footage to be reviewed. The women eventually left, according to Phuket Times. The shop owner said the recording supported the employee’s account, although details of what it showed about the disputed transaction were not provided.

The owner urged other small businesses to remain cautious and said the incident had left the employee distressed. The report did not state whether a police complaint had been filed or whether the women had been identified.