The 29-year-old suspect was taken into custody today (Feb 26) following a police investigation into the incident, which occurred at the entrance to Soi Siriland, in front of Building 21 on Prachanukhro Rd in Patong, late last night.
According to officers at Patong Police Station, they were notified at about 11pm that a foreign tourist had died at Patong Hospital. Pol Lt Col Chanan Mekchai, the investigating officer on duty, reported the case to his superiors before proceeding to the hospital with an investigation team.
Police confirmed the deceased was a 58-year-old Australian man who had suffered a serious head injury.
Initial inquiries revealed that the tourist had been assaulted at about 5pm on Prachanukhro Rd. He was transported to Patong Hospital for treatment and doctors were preparing to transfer him to Vachira Phuket Hospital due to the severity of his condition. However, he was pronounced dead at 10:23pm.
Investigators examined the scene and reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Police reported that a foreign man matching the description seen on CCTV was riding a black Honda X-ADV 750 motorcycle bearing a Phuket licence plate near the scene around the time of the incident.
Officers later located and questioned the Swedish national, who was staying at a condo in Kathu. According to police, he admitted to striking, or slapping, the victim once in the face during the altercation.
The investigating officer has compiled the case file and submitted it for further legal action. Police have not yet confirmed the exact charge to be filed as the investigation continues.