The incident spurred a backlash by netizens after videos of the incident went viral on local social media channels earlier this week.
The incident occurred when a white Ford four-door pickup truck, occupied by three foreign nationals, collided with a motorcycle, injuring the rider, Patong Police said in a report posted online late last night (Mar 13).
Witnesses reported that after the crash, the foreigners exited their vehicle, and one of them brandished a knife, threatening the injured motorcyclist, said the report.
On learning about the incident, Patong Police Chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hirasawat ordered an immediate investigation, led by Pol Lt Col Suchart Chumphusang and Pol Lt Col Saran Chaiwat, along with the station’s investigation team.
Officers swiftly tracked down the three individuals and brought them in for questioning, Patong Police said.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 26-year-old British man, admitted to driving the vehicle and threatening the victim with a knife, Patong police confirmed.
His two British companions were also present at the police station during the questioning.
The British man, unnamed in the report, was charged with reckless driving causing harm, property damage and carrying a weapon, Patong Police said.
Further legal proceedings were underway as police continued their investigation into the incident, the report concluded.
The report made no mention of any legal action against the Thai man for kicking the pickup driven by the British man as the British man initially attempted to leave the scene of the accident.