UPDATE: Two Emirati men face multiple charges after alleged Kathu checkpoint pursuit

Two Emirati tourists who allegedly fled a police checkpoint in Kathu and caused an officer to crash during a pursuit face multiple charges, according to The Phuket News.

The incident began at about 1pm on 13 August at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road. Police said a black Honda ADV 160 carrying two men was travelling from Patong towards the Si Kor intersection when officers signalled the rider to stop for a licence check. The rider allegedly accelerated through the checkpoint.

Police Sergeant Major Siwayot Yodrabam followed the motorcycle towards Phra Phuket Kaew Road. Near Kathu Municipality, officers again ordered the pair to stop. The passenger allegedly kicked Siwayot’s motorcycle with his left foot, causing the officer to lose his balance.

According to police, the pursuit continued towards a duty-free store, where the suspects allegedly rode against oncoming traffic before turning into a soi leading to The Valley housing estate. They then reportedly cut in front of the pursuing police motorcycle, causing Siwayot to crash.

The officer suffered minor injuries, while his clothing, glasses and motorcycle were damaged. Despite being hurt, he continued the pursuit to the end of the road inside the estate, where the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and fled on foot.

Police searched the area and later found both men walking near the estate entrance. The Phuket News identified them as 21-year-old Emirati national Sohail Saeed Salem Salem Alteneiji, who allegedly rode the motorcycle, and 20-year-old Emirati national Hamad Saif Rashed Binnaye Alteneiji, the passenger.

Police said the men were informed of the allegations and their legal rights before being taken, along with the motorcycle, to Kathu Police Station for further legal proceedings. The Phuket News later reported that the pair faced multiple charges. It also said they had been held on remand, moved to the detention centre at Phuket Immigration and transferred to court for detention pending trial.