Two New Zealand nationals were apprehended after causing harm to a local traffic officer and attempting to steal his firearm on Saturday evening, as per police reports.
At 3:50 pm on Saturday, Traffic Sergeant Major Somsak Noo-iad from Chalong station pulled over Hamish Day, 36, and Oscar Day, 38, on Chaofa (East) Road in the Chalong sub-district of Muang district. The individuals were speeding on motorcycles in a residential area and not staying within the designated lane.
Instead of complying, the tourists accelerated to evade the officer. Subsequently, Sergeant Major Somsak pursued them.
Eventually, the foreigners stopped but became confrontational. The officer used his phone to record their behavior.
The two men then obstructed the recording and physically attacked the officer, causing him to fall and attempting to grab his gun. In the scuffle, the firearm discharged once, fortunately without injuring anyone.
Additional officers from Chalong station arrived swiftly and arrested both New Zealanders. They now face charges of robbery, impeding police duties, assaulting a law enforcement officer, driving without a license, and attempting to bribe.
Chalong station chief, Police Colonel Ekarat Plaiduang, announced on Sunday that the two New Zealanders were in custody at the station and scheduled for a court appearance on Monday at the Phuket Provincial Court, where a request for their continued detention will be made.
After their arrest, both men reportedly attempted to bribe Sergeant Major Somsak, which he declined.
The traffic officer sustained injuries to his fingers and arms but was treated and discharged from the hospital. He will be commended and rewarded for his service. This incident marks the first instance of visitors assaulting police officers at Chalong station, according to Police Colonel Ekarat.
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