The vandalism damage included slashed tyres and motorbike seats, as well as broken windshields.
Police arrived to the scene at about 2.30am to find a disgruntled group of victims gathered, discussing and comparing their respective damaged vehicles, which included 23 pick-up trucks, vans and cars, and 28 motorbikes.
At the direction of police, residents organized themselves to search the compounds in case the suspect was still around.
In the ensuing search, a resident spotted a suspiciously acting man riding around on a white Honda Click motorbike, and notified officers who proceeded to stop and search the suspect, who was found to be in possession of a 6-inch kitchen knife and plastic bag containing 10 kratom leaves.
Police detained the suspect, who was identified as 31-year-old Sunthon Somkun of Rawai.
Mr Sunthon was described to be in an intoxicated state when police managed to ascertain that he worked for a car-rental company in Patong.
Upon seeing the suspect in custody, a group of angry residents took the opportunity to assault the suspect, who received minor injuries before he was treated and taken to police station, where residents followed to file respective charges.