Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khundet Na Nongkhai confirmed yesterday (Apr 30) that the man, named by police as Luke Alexander Graham, 31, had fled to Krabi.
The incident occurred at 4am on Apr 27, Pol Col Khundet said.
Tuk-tuk driver Abdullah Sasahe had picked up Graham in Patong and had brought him to a hotel in Krabi for an agreed fare of B400.
On arrival, Graham claimed to have handed Mr Abdullah a B1,000 note, and demanded his change.
Mr Abdullahd says Graham handed him only a B100 note.
The pair argued, leading to Graham placing his hands around Mr Abdullah’s neck and slapping him in the face before walking off.
Later, Mr Abdullah went for a checkup at Patong Hospital. Doctors confirmed Mr Abdullah had an “injury” to his left cheek, but no other external injuries.
Mr Abdullah later filed a formal complaint at Karon Police Station. Pol Lt Col Aeksak Kwanwan of the Karon Police received the complaint.
Police have since learned thet Graham had now fled to Krabi Province, Karon Police are now coordinating with Krabi police to track him down and “bring him to trial quickly”.