The incident occurred at about 11pm on Sunday (June 14) and stemmed from an argument between the British national and a Thai man over the alleged reckless riding of a motorcycle.
According to statements given to police and reporters by the Thai man, identified as Waiphusit Phromsuwan, 50, the dispute began when he warned the foreigner about his riding. Mr Waiphusit said the pair exchanged insults before the confrontation became physical.
Mr Waiphusit claimed he left the scene and returned home, believing the matter had ended, but alleged that the foreigner later returned accompanied by two women and carrying a metal object. He said a further argument followed, escalating into a violent confrontation involving weapons.
The exact sequence of events remains unclear.
Police have confirmed that both men sustained injuries, with the British man suffering a serious slash wound to his arm and Mr Waiphusit receiving injuries including a bruised eye.
Investigators have not yet determined who first armed themselves during the confrontation.
Social media posts that circulated after the incident alleged the foreigner was carrying a knife and an aluminium pipe. However, police have not publicly confirmed those claims.
Similarly, while Mr Waiphusit acknowledged that a sword was used during the fight, no explanation has yet been provided regarding where the weapon came from or at what point it was introduced into the confrontation.
A police report filed by Chalong Police recorded that officers were notified of a brawl between a Thai man and a foreign national at about 11pm on Sunday outside Tony’s Restaurant on Soi Ta-iad. Officers attended the scene, documented evidence and launched an investigation.
Speaking to The Phuket News, Chalong Police investigating officer Pol Lt Col Kanen Somrak said both parties appeared to bear responsibility for the incident, but investigators have not yet reached any conclusions because they have only heard one side of the story.
"It is impossible to say who started the fight yet because we have not heard the British man’s version," Lt Col Kanen said.
He added that police believe both men willingly engaged in the confrontation and that both could potentially face assault charges if legal proceedings move forward.
Lt Col Kanen confirmed that Mr Waiphusit filed a complaint after the incident. Police later learned that the British national had already returned to the United Kingdom.
Investigators are now attempting to contact the British man through diplomatic channels in order to obtain his statement.
No compensation agreement or settlement has been reached between the parties, Lt. Col. Kanen confirmed.
Mr Waiphusit, known locally as ‘Kru Oh’, works as an instructor of traditional Muay Thai and Thai sword fighting on Soi Ta-iad, one of Phuket’s best-known training centres for Muay Thai and mixed martial arts athletes from around the world.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional reporting by Natnaree Likidwatanasakun