Patong Police were informed of the attack at about 11:10pm on Sunday night (July 7).
Officers arrived to find an Indian tourist, named as Aneesh Kumar Nikathithara Purushan, 37, with a small knife wound to his scalp.
Officers were told that Mr Aneesh, his wife and a friend returned from traveling outside. The friend went up to the room on the fourth floor and entered their room, but had not closed the door yet, as he was waiting for Mr Aneesh and his wife.
When Mr Aneesh arrived at the room, he saw an unidentified man walk down the hallway towards him, smoking as he walked.
When walking past Mr Aneesh, the man blew cigarette smoke in Mr Aneesh’s face, but Mr Aneesh did not respond because he could not speak English, so instead he gave the man a stern look.
After walking about four to five metres past Mr Aneesh, the man turned around and kicked Mr Aneesh in the face, causing Mr Aneesh to fall to the floor.
The man then drew a knife, not more than 15cm long, and tried to stab Mr Aneesh in the face, but Mr Aneesh reacted quickly and used his hands to fend off the knife, which ended up cutting his scalp.
Mr Aneesh’s friend came to help, but the man ran away, making his exit behind the hotel.
The friend informed the hotel staff of the attack, who in turn called the police.
After rescue workers arrived and provided first aid, Mr Aneesh went to Patong Police Station to file a formal report of the attack.
Police are now searching for the perpetrator.