The arrests follow an attack that left 29-year-old Kunanaya Photikham with facial injuries, including a torn lip, after he and his girlfriend were confronted by a group of foreign tourists on Monday evening (Apr 13).
According to a complaint filed at Patong Police Station at 5:44pm the same day, Mr Photikham and his girlfriend, 27-year-old Metinee Seela, were riding a motorcycle along a dead-end alley off Phra Metta Rd when they encountered a group of tourists celebrating Songkran.
Ms Metinee told police the couple signalled that they did not wish to join the water play, but were instead sprayed in the face and struck with a water gun before the situation escalated into violence.
A group of some three foreign men then allegedly assaulted Mr Photikham, leaving him with visible facial injuries. He was later taken to Patong Hospital for treatment.
Patong Police launched an investigation under the direction of Acting Superintendent Pol Col Korakrit Khantakrue, with a team led by Pol Lt Chamroon Lapawong working to identify and locate those involved.
By Tuesday afternoon (Apr 14) at about 3:30pm, officers had apprehended two suspects identified as French nationals Nicolas Florent Bouboune and Abdelkrim Heraoui.
Both men are now in custody and undergoing intensive questioning. Police have also brought the victim in to meet with investigators as part of the case proceedings.
Authorities confirmed that officers are continuing to gather evidence and conduct detailed interrogations in order to determine appropriate charges and proceed with legal action.
Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.