Patong Police were alerted to the incident and arrived at the scene, in front of Patong Medical Clinic on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd at 2:20am.
Pol Lt Col Somprasong Labaisat, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Patong Police Station, led the initial response, joined by a rescue team from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation.
Upon arrival, officers found the injured man lying on the sidewalk with a serious stab wound to the abdomen.
He was later identified as Orxan Hidayet Oglu Orkhan, 33, an Azerbaijan national. He was rushed to Patong Hospital for emergency treatment.
At the scene, officers also found the suspect, Pannawit Yongyosying, 25, waiting in front of the clinic.
Pannawit confessed to stabbing the tourist during an argument that began when Mr Orxan ate fruit from the sidecar stall he operated with his girlfriend, and allegedly refused to pay the B60 charge.
According to Pannawit’s statement to police, the situation escalated after a verbal exchange, leading him to use a knife to stab the tourist once in the stomach.
Officers took Pannawit into custody and took him to Patong Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings, reported Patong police.
Charges are expected to be filed as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have yet to release an official update on Mr Orxan’s condition.