Two Myanmar men arrested over alleged Thalang roadside attack

Thalang police arrested two Myanmar men accused of attacking a woman riding a motorcycle to work along Route 4031, the road parallel to Phuket Airport’s runway, on 27 October 2026.

Police identified the suspects as Aung Siw Phyu, 19, and Min Khant Kyaw, 28. They were arrested at about 7pm on 2 November after police obtained warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court.

The victim, Sukanya Burapha, told police that the men emerged from roadside grass and attacked her. Police said the suspects allegedly tried to drag her into the grass, but she shouted for help, prompting passing motorists to intervene. The men fled along a side road without taking her belongings.

Sukanya suffered head injuries and spent two to three days in hospital. Her injuries were not considered critical, according to Thalang Police chief Pol Col Nikorn Chuthong, who spoke to The Phuket News.

Pol Col Nikorn said Aung Siw Phyu initially told investigators that he intended to rob and rape the woman. Min Khant Kyaw reportedly said he attacked her to “vent his anger” after his younger brother had allegedly been ambushed and beaten twice in the same area.

Both men face a charge of jointly committing physical assault against another person resulting in physical or mental harm. They remain in police custody pending further legal proceedings.

Pol Col Nikorn said the case was separate from a similar attack in Wichit the previous week, in which a man allegedly emerged from roadside grass, blocked a woman riding home alone and struck her head with a piece of wood during an attempted robbery.

Phuket Provincial Police have urged people, especially women travelling alone at night, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity or similar attacks.