The first incident occurred at about 3am on Patong Beach near the ‘Coral Beach Bridge’ at the southern end of Thaweewong Rd (the beach road).
Patong Police said they were informed of the assault at 4:02am after being notified by Patong Hospital that a man had been admitted for treatment with stab wounds.
The injured man was identified as Maung Maung Aye, 21, a Myanmar national. He suffered a stab wound to the left side of his rib cage and was receiving treatment at Patong Hospital. Police said he was conscious and able to give a statement.
According to Mr Maung Maung Aye, he had been sitting by the sea with around 10 friends, both male and female, near the bridge area when a group of teenagers arrived on motorcycles. One of the group approached him and stabbed him once in the left rib cage before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown. No property damage was reported.
Patong Police have instructed investigators to review CCTV footage from the area and along possible escape routes. Further interviews with the injured man and witnesses are planned.
Just minutes later, at about 4:10am, a second knife attack was reported at Tops Supermarket on Mae Luan Rd in Phuket Town, Phuket City Police confirmed.
The injured person was identified as Waranya Kiriwongkot, 26, who was stabbed multiple times in the back and neck. She was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment.
Police said patrol officers at the scene arrested the suspect, Choktawee Chumthongdo, 36, identified as the victim’s boyfriend. Investigators reported that the suspect, who is known to suffer from a mental illness, entered the supermarket and attacked Ms Waranya with a knife in a fit of rage.
Bystanders intervened during the attack and alerted police, leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest. Officers secured the scene, seized the knife used in the assault and took the suspect into custody for further questioning.
Phuket City Police Superintendent Pol Col Chatree Chukaew confirmed the arrest, with the investigation being led by acting Pol Lt Col Theppitak Puangmanee, Investigative Supervisor at Phuket City Police Station.
Police said investigations into both incidents are continuing.