Police announced yesterday (July 8) that officers tracked down the suspect at Suvarnabhumi Airport at about 3:30pm as he was allegedly attempting to leave Thailand.
However, Patong Police confirmed today (July 9) that the suspect has not yet arrived at Patong Police Station and remains in the process of being transferred from Bangkok. Officers expect him to arrive in Phuket this afternoon.
The arrest follows an incident on Tuesday afternoon (July 7) in which jet-ski operator Nattawut Decheiam alleged that the American tourist assaulted him after refusing to pay compensation for damage to two rented jet-skis.
According to the complaint filed with police, a family of three foreign tourists rented two jet-skis, which allegedly collided, causing damage.
Mr Nattawut said he showed the tourist evidence of the damage and requested compensation, but the tourist refused to pay and walked away towards Bangla Rd.
Mr Nattawut followed the tourist to continue the discussion, badgering the tourist until an argument developed in Soi Sea Dragon, where the tourist allegedly grabbed him, threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched him in the face before fleeing.
Mr Nattawut reported suffering bruising, facial swelling and a fractured cheekbone.
Video recorded by Mr Nattawut before the alleged assault shows him following the tourist while repeatedly demanding payment. The tourist can be heard saying he had already paid B3,500 to rent the jet-ski and repeatedly denying that he had fallen from it. The recording ends shortly before the alleged assault and does not show what happened afterwards.
Police have not released any statement from the suspect, nor have they reported independently verifying the alleged damage to the jet-skis or the events leading up to the confrontation.
The American tourist will be questioned by investigators upon his arrival in Phuket before legal proceedings continue.