The incident occurred at about 8pm on Sunday (Apr 26) on Patak Rd, directly in front of Wat Kata.
According to Karon Police, the victim, identified as Somsak Wongkanha, reported that he was riding his motorcycle from Patong towards Chalong when a Phuket-registered van driven by Prawit Englee suddenly cut closely in front of him.
Police said the suspect, believed to be acting out of jealousy due to a personal relationship involving his former partner, then got out of the vehicle and punched the victim.
The situation quickly escalated when the suspect retrieved a knife approximately 50cm long from the front of the van and chased the victim across the road, attempting to stab him.
The victim fled across Patak Rd to the opposite side of the temple grounds to escape the attack. He sustained minor injuries, including abrasions to his lower lip, and later filed a complaint with investigators at Karon Police Station.
Footage of the incident, shared by a local Facebook page, showed the van and motorcycle stopped roadside before the driver emerged wielding a large knife and pursuing the victim in full view of bystanders, sparking alarm among people in the area and strong reactions online.
Comments on social media criticised the behaviour and called for police to take swift action, with some users expressing concern over public safety on the island.
Karon Police confirmed that at about 10am on Apr 27, investigating officer Pol Lt Col Eaksak Khwanwan formally charged Prawit Englee with assault causing no serious bodily or mental harm, carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable cause, illegal consumption of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine), and driving under the influence of drugs.
The charges stem from the same incident, which police said took place near a restaurant in front of Kata Temple.
The suspect later presented himself at Karon Police Station late yesterday morning (Apr 27). A urine test conducted by officers returned positive for methamphetamine, with the suspect admitting he had used the drug about three days prior to the incident.
Police reported that the suspect confessed to all charges after being informed of his legal rights.
Karon Police are continuing legal proceedings against the suspect.