The statement comes in recognition of posts, including videos of the fight, going viral on local social media channels, Sakhu Police said.
The fight between the tourist and a group of local taxi drivers occurred on Monday (Dec 23), Sakhu Police confirmed.
According to the police, the commotion began when a Hong Kong national, later identified as Ka Chun Keith Poon, 35, “caused a disturbance outside the airport”.
Police were alerted to the situation and arrived at the scene to find Mr Poon already restrained by taxi drivers. Authorities described his behaviour as erratic and aggressive.
Further investigation revealed that Mr Poon had arrived in Phuket on a tourist visa on Dec17. Just the day before the incident, last Sunday (Dec 22), Mr Poon had reported his passport missing to police at the airport. He also disclosed a pre-existing mental health condition requiring regular medication.
Police and consular officials assisted him in obtaining a replacement passport and arranged temporary accommodation at a hotel near the airport. However, on Monday morning Mr Poon reportedly left the hotel in a distressed state, leading to the altercation with the taxi drivers.
Sakhu Police thanked the taxi drivers for “their assistance” in containing the situation.
Mr Poon was taken into custody and provided with the necessary care, Sakhu Police said.
Authorities are working with the Hong Kong consulate to facilitate his return home, Sakhu Police noted.