The suspects were caught after a dramatic chase, with police confirming that one of the individuals was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant.
The incident was first reported around 10:30pm after police received multiple complaints via the Phuket City Police Radio Center and a local Facebook page.
Witnesses reported a white Mazda2 performing reckless stunts, including driving in circles in the middle of the Koh Kaew Intersection.
A traffic officer from Thalang Police Station spotted the vehicle at Bang Khu intersection at approximately 9:58pm and attempted to pursue it. However, the driver fled at high speed along the bypass road toward the Darasamut Intersection in Wichit.
Police tracked the vehicle back to Soi Koh Kaew 23, where officers attempted to intercept the suspects.
Upon spotting the police, the driver once again tried to flee, leading to a chase that ended in Soi Nanachat 2, a dead-end street.
The two men abandoned the car and ran into a nearby forest, but officers managed to apprehend them after a struggle.
During the arrest, both suspects, who were shirtless and intoxicated, resisted officers, resulting in minor injuries to themselves and the police.
The men, identified as foreigners, were unable to communicate in English, complicating the arrest process. Without identification documents, they were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further verification.
Authorities later identified one of the men as Anamere George, a Nigerian national. A background check revealed an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on Aug 21, 2023.
The warrant cited offenses including overstaying a visa and possession of Category 2 narcotics (cocaine), with the case remaining active until 2038.
The second suspect remained unidentified as he lacked any form of identification.
Both men are now in police custody as police continue their investigation. Further legal action is expected as officials work to determine the identity of the second suspect and any additional charges that may apply.