Karon Police Chief Col Sanya Thongsawas told The Phuket News yesterday (Oct 27) that five people involved in the street fight have been charged with assault.
The four Thai nationals were named as Mr Sangown Saeing, 37; Mr Wutthichai Sanghala 36; Mr Ewe Salag 26, and Mr Jaran Noosong, 38, the Russian was named as Mr Edgar Khetagurov, 26.
Last Sunday’s brawl between local taxi drivers and a group of tourists on motorbikes happened at about 2:40pm on Kata Rd, near the main three-way intersection in Kata Centre. Four taxi drivers involved in the brawl were injured, while the tourists suffered only scrapes and bruises. (See story here.)
Chief Col Sanya said, “Jaran suffered the worst injuries as he was hit in the face with a brick by Khetagurov. Jaran was taken to the emergency room that day, but he is out of the hospital now.”
“We were told that the fight started when one of the taxi drivers told the group of tourist to slow down, but the group revved up the engines on their motorbikes. The two groups then exchanged words and it escalated into a brawl,” he said.
“From the video, it appears that Khetagurov was slapped first, then Jaran was hit in the face with a brick, after that it escalated into a brawl. The other taxi drivers had minor injuries and some had their teeth broken.
“All five have been charged with assault and the case is now with Phuket Provincial Courty,” he added.