Police reported that the incident occurred at about 5:10pm. According to the complaint filed with investigators, a family of three foreign tourists rented two jet-skis before one allegedly collided with another, resulting in damage.
The jet-ski operator, Nattawut Decheiam, told police that he showed the tourist evidence of the alleged damage and requested compensation. He claimed the tourist refused to pay and walked away towards Bangla Rd.
Mr Nattawut alleged that he followed the tourist to continue discussing the matter, at which point ‒ he said ‒ an argument broke out. He claimed the tourist grabbed him, threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched him in the face before fleeing towards Jungceylon shopping centre.
Mr Nattawut said he suffered bruising, facial swelling and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he wanted the matter to be handled through the legal process.
However, video footage recorded by Nattawut and later provided to the media captures part of the confrontation before the alleged assault.
The video shows Nattawut following the tourist along Soi Seadragon while repeatedly demanding payment. The tourist continues walking at a normal pace throughout the recording and does not appear to hurry away.
During the exchange, the tourist states that he had already paid B3,500 to rent the jet-ski, a fact confirmed by Nattawut in the video. Nattawut then tells the tourist, “You not pay money – you fall off jet-ski,” apparently referring to compensation for alleged damage.
The tourist repeatedly denies falling off the jet-ski.
At one point, Nattawut accuses the tourist of running away, asking, “Why are you running?” However, the video shows the tourist continuing to walk without breaking stride. The tourist responds, “I am not running.”
After several more seconds of the operator following and questioning him, the tourist says, “This is going to happen. Are you ready?” He repeats the question a second time before the recording ends.
The video does not show the alleged assault reported to police, and therefore does not establish what occurred after recording stopped.
Patong Police have not released any statement from the tourist, nor have they reported independently verifying the alleged damage to the rental jet-skis, whether the tourist was responsible for any damage, or the content of the discussion that preceded the alleged assault.
Patong Police confirmed that a complaint has been filed and that investigators have been ordered to review CCTV footage and gather evidence to identify and locate the suspect.
Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue said investigators were working to track down the foreign tourist and ensure the case is handled fairly under the law.