Patong Police reported that the incident occurred at around 12:15am. The details were confirmed in a report submitted to the Commander of Phuket Provincial Police for information.
According to the police report, Patong lifeguards detained two Omani nationals ‒ Mr Al-Amri Basim Badar and Mr Al-Breiki Hamood ‒ after fireworks were set off on the beach. The pair were accused of igniting the fireworks.
Lt Wisanu Chumee, Deputy Investigating Officer at Patong Police Station, said two witnesses initially claimed to have seen the foreigners light the fireworks. However, both later retracted their certainty in written statements.
When questioned, the two Omani men told investigators they had been walking along the Patong beach road when they heard fireworks being set off. They crossed the road to see what was happening, but were soon surrounded by lifeguards who accused them of being responsible.
The men provided a video clip to police showing their location and the unfolding events. Upon reviewing the footage, investigators confirmed that their statements were consistent with the evidence.
Further investigation included reviewing CCTV footage from the area, which showed two other individuals ‒ a man wearing white and a woman wearing black, both resembling foreigners ‒ setting off the fireworks, which detonated in a barrage right on the beach. Police noted that the individuals’ appearances did not match those of the detained Omani men.
As a result, both Mr Al-Amri and Mr Al-Breiki were released. Police confirmed that the investigation is continuing to identify and track down the real perpetrators.
The victim, identified as Mr Alsuhibany Abdulkarim Saleh M, told police he sustained only minor injuries and did not wish to press charges, as he wanted to rest.
Patong Police confirmed that updates on the case have been forwarded to the Phuket Provincial Police Commander and that officers are reviewing additional CCTV footage to locate the two suspects seen in the video.