Patong Police reported that the incident began at about 1:20am today (Dec 24) when 22-year-old Panupong Kaewtae parked his motorbike opposite the Paitong restaurant on Phra Baramee Rd. Moments later, he heard a crash and returned to find his bike knocked over, with damage consistent with being hit by a vehicle.
A black Hilux Revo, registered in Phuket, was identified as having hit the motorcycle. The driver, described as intoxicated, allegedly got out, denied responsibility, verbally abused Mr Panupong, then got back in his truck and drove away.
The victim obtained CCTV footage from a nearby premises that clearly showed the collision, police said. While going to file a report, the victim spotted the same pickup parked at the Otteri Laundry on Phra Baramee Rd and informed officers upon his arrival at Patong Police Station.
Traffic officer Pol Lt Thira Ngernthaworn was dispatched to the location at around 3am and found the driver, identified by police as 37-year-old Benjarong Kitchadamnoen.
When Pol Lt Thira invited the suspect to go to the station for questioning, the driver, reportedly highly intoxicated, became aggressive, repeatedly shoving the officer, knocking his helmet off his head and kicking it away and hurling insults, police said. Backup officers were called and the suspect was subsequently brought to the police station under arrest.
The suspect refused a breathalyser test and was handed over to investigators for further legal action. Pol Lt Thira later underwent a medical examination at Patong Hospital following the altercation.
Police said charges being processed include damage to property, drunk and disorderly behaviour, assaulting an officer, and related offences.
The case is being handled under the direction of Acting Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khantakrua. Further evidence is being gathered and additional charges may follow, investigators confirmed.