Karon Police confirmed that 31-year-old British national Luke Alexander Graham was arrested at a resort on Phi Phi Island at about 9:15pm last night (Apr 30).
Graham, from Bury, in the Greater Manchester area, was arrested under a warrant issued yesterday by Phuket Provincial Court for the charge of physical assault.
Officers confirmed Graham’s identity by checking his passport and he confirmed he was the person named in the arrest warrant, police said in their report.
Graham was informed of the charge against him, and informed of his rights, then taken to Koh Phi Phi Police Station to record his arrest, officers said.
Graham aws then brought back to Phuket and taken to Karon Police Station for further legal action.
THE INCIDENT
According to Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khundet Na Nongkhai the incident occurred at 4am on Saturday (Apr 27).
Tuk-tuk driver Abdullah Sasahe had picked up Graham in Patong and had brought him to a hotel in Karon 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 said 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 at Patong Hospital doctors confirmed that 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, which was recorded by Pol Lt Col Aeksak Kwanwan
THE AFTERMATH
At Karon Police Station today (May 1), officers from the Karon Police, Phuket Immigration and the Phuket Tourist Police questioned Graham.
Representing the tuk-tuk driver Mr Abdullah and present at Karon Police Station today to give additional statements was his father, Bang Hae.
Bang hae told reporters that his son called him early Saturday morning to explain what had happened. He said his son did not want the foreigner to get upset, but the foreigner was drunk and assaulted him.
His son, tuk-tuk driver Mr Abdullah, does not speak English, Bang Hae said.
Bang Hae added that he was happy to hear that the foreigner, Graham, had been arrested.
“Two people and a friend were also drunk and carried beer bottles” with Graham when the incident happened, Bang Hae said.
“When paying the money, I’m not sure if his friend saw what banknote he paid,” he said.
Of note, while the video of Graham assaulting Mr Abdullah has been widely circulated, the video only shows the assault. It does not show when the banknote was handed over, a factor that would quickly resolve the issue.
Regardless, Bang Hae today thanked police for their quick work
While in the caged van to be transported to Phuket Provincial Court for further detention, Graham told people outside the van that he was sorry for how events had transpired.
However, he added, "You shouldn’t steal money."