The incident came to public attention after Facebook user Ball Worawit Chumthong posted CCTV footage and photographs of the alleged attacker on Tuesday (July 14), claiming the man had knocked over a motorcycle, refused to pay for the damage and assaulted the victims before fleeing.
The post alleged the suspect had rented a red Yamaha NMAX motorcycle before the incident and later returned it to the rental shop. The poster also called on airport authorities and the public to watch for the man in case he attempted to leave the country.
According to Chalong Police, the incident occurred on Monday (July 13).
The victim, Robert Charles Pollock, 46, an Australian national, told investigators he had parked his Honda ADV motorcycle outside a 7-Eleven store at Rawai Beach when another foreign man allegedly backed his motorcycle into it, causing it to fall and sustain damage.
Mr Pollock said he attempted to discuss compensation with the rider, who instead left the scene.
He then followed the man to a shop in Moo 6, near the main intersection at the southern end of the Rawai beach road, where he again tried to resolve the matter.
According to the police complaint, the suspect became angry, pushed Mr Pollock to the ground and punched him several times, causing injuries.
Mr Pollock’s wife, Kylie Jane Pollock, who witnessed the incident, was also allegedly assaulted when she tried to intervene. She told police she was slapped in the face before the suspect fled on his motorcycle.
The couple later filed a complaint with Chalong Police Station seeking legal action against the suspect.
Police said the man’s name, nationality and other personal details have yet to be confirmed. Investigators are working to identify and locate him for questioning and possible prosecution.