The incident was reported to Patong Police at about 2:45am. Officers, led by Lt Col Chittawan Pengkaew, arrived at the Sunshine Massage Parlor with support from the Bangla Soi Special Patrol Unit. On arrival, they found the man – described as agitated and disoriented – pacing across the rooftop.
Rescue volunteers from the Kusoldtham Phuket Foundation were called in to assist. After officers calmed the man, he was brought down safely and taken to Patong Hospital for treatment.
However, the tourist’s condition deteriorated shortly after his arrival at the hospital. According to reports, he became delirious and violent, at one point breaking free from medical restraints. Hospital staff were unable to control him, prompting police to step in.
Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Modell, a British rescue worker with the Kusoldtham Foundation, said he responded to an urgent call from hospital staff. On arrival, he found police, ambulance personnel and nurses gathered outside the room where the man was being held.
“He was clearly mentally unstable and required urgent treatment,” Mr Modell explained. “For his safety, I decided to enter the room alone. The police were prepared to intervene, but I believed their entry would only escalate the situation. We were able to restrain him gently, and he was sedated without anyone being hurt.”
Police confirmed the man was placed in custody after becoming disruptive, and legal action will follow on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. However, officers also stressed that his welfare remained the priority.
Mr Modell commended Patong Police for their handling of the case. “The cells were not the right place for him. The officers acted professionally and with care for his safety,” he said.
The man remained under observation at Patong Hospital as of Sunday evening.