Officials have already confirmed that the attack occurred nine days ago (Aug 10), with six suspects reported as “already arrested” as of Thursday last week (Aug 14).
Officials leapt into action only after a video of the assault was brought to the attention of Nirat Phongsitthaworn, national Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, who ordered the Kathu District Chief to immediately investigate the social media post showing the gang assault.
Police and other authorities have yet to reveal the names, ages and nationalities of those arrested for the vicious assault, and have not even confirmed whether or not the six remain in police custody.
The confirmation that Patong Police have not yet pressed any charges against flies in the face of the Kathu District Office reporting yesterday (Aug 18) that procedures were underway to have the suspects deported.
The short update report by the Kathu District Office failed to mention any criminal charges against the tourists.
Pol Lt Chittawan Pengkaew, the investigating officer at Patong Police Station, confirmed to The Phuket News today (Aug 19) the six tourists have not been deported, as the case remains under investigation.
He said the Thai motorbike rental operator had been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital after doctors at Patong Hospital referred him for further examination. The victim is reported to have sustained a broken jaw and broken ribs.
“The medical report is required to confirm the extent of injuries before charges can be pressed,” Pol Lt Chittawan said.
Kathu Deputy District Chief Sikarin Aninbon reviewed the case at Patong Police Station yesterday, said the Kathu District Office report.
The tourists, along with their embassy representatives, have urged for the case to be expedited so that they may return home, the report added.
Kathu District Office in their report also identified the tourists as “Arab”.
Kathu Deputy District Chief Mr Sikarin said he will continue to closely monitor the case and provide updates.
According to the initial investigation last week, the gang assault occurred at Rolling Stone All Tour on Soi Patong Center, Phra Metta Rd, Patong, at around 9pm on Aug 10.
One of the Arab tourists had rented a Honda X-ADV 750cc motorcycle and requested a test ride. During the ride, an accident occurred that damaged the motorcycle. The shop demanded B50,000 in compensation, but the tourist offered only B10,000, said the report.
An argument escalated into a physical altercation.
One of the Arab tourists has filed a counter-report alleging assault by a Thai individual, the initial investigation confirmed.