Eyewitnesses described the man, later identified as 26-year-old Kuwaiti national Ali H.N.A.H. Ashkanani, as unruly and violent, shouting, rioting and chasing residents along the streets near Karon Beach.
Despite efforts by several villagers to subdue him, the man’s aggression continued unabated, forcing residents to seek safety and alert authorities.
Videos of the incident quickly circulated on local social media channels, showing Ashkanani punching and threatening locals. The footage sparked outrage online, with netizens criticising the behavior and the perceived leniency in handling such cases. Comments ranged from calls for stricter visa regulations to frustrations over repeated incidents involving unruly tourists.
Before his assault on one of the men at the beachfront, Ashkanani can be heard saying, “Don’t touch me. You’ll regret it. I’m a f*cking a police officer.”
Police arrived at the scene and managed to detain Ashkanani, taking him to Karon Police Station.
According to Pol Lt Col Wiwat Chamnankit, deputy chief of the investigation division at Karon Police, the man Ashkanani assaulted was sent to Chalong Hospital for a medical examination before discussions of compensation were initiated.
Negotiations between the involved parties concluded with an agreement, and Ashkanani fined for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and causing a public disturbance.
Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khun det Na Nongkhai confirmed that the Kuwaiti tourist was released into the custody of his friends after the fine was paid and the situation was resolved.