The incident, which took place on Monday (Aug 25), was caught on video and widely shared on social media, sparking outrage online. The footage shows several men confronting lifeguards, spitting at them and throwing punches after being told to leave the surf, which had been closed for swimming due to dangerous monsoon-season conditions.
Lifeguards had blown whistles and repeatedly instructed the group to exit the water, but the warnings were ignored. Witnesses said the tourists responded with verbal abuse before the violence broke out.
Despite being outnumbered, lifeguards held their ground. No serious injuries were reported, and the group of tourists eventually dispersed.
Mayor Thames said the attack was “an insult to the dignity of Thai people” and that it could not be resolved through negotiation or monetary compensation.
“I will not tolerate this,” he said in a statement. “The dignity of Thai people cannot be valued in money. This case will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law and must serve as an example to prevent others from violating the law.”
Reports emerged that the tourists had offered more than B200,000 to settle the matter, but Mayor Thames rejected any suggestion of compromise, stressing that Phuket’s lifeguards are on duty to protect lives and deserve full respect and support.
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Rungrit Rattanaphakdi has now confirmed the case had been concluded with charges of assault, though he declined to provide further details.
Earlier reports, which identified the tourists as from Kuwait, indicated the tourists faced charges including property damage, resisting an officer and violating official orders.
Mayor Thames added that following this incident, Rawai Municipality will review the number of lifeguards stationed at Nai Harn and increase public awareness campaigns to ensure tourists understand beach safety rules.
The video of the clash drew a flood of angry comments online, with many social media users calling for the attackers to be prosecuted, deported and blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.
Marine safety expert Daren Jenner, Marine Safety Commissioner for Thailand and Section Chief of the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA), condemned the attack, saying Phuket’s lifeguards were “beyond the bounds of human decency” to have been assaulted while trying to save lives.
“By the video it looks like a couple of the lifeguards took some pretty good cracks. They were outnumbered,” he said. “A serious fine must be issued, jail time in Thai prison, and substantial compensation provided – sufficient to serve as a serious deterrent.”
Mr Jenner also suggested that Phuket consider lifeguard supervisors with warden-like authority to subdue and detain unruly tourists who refuse to follow life-saving warnings.
Nai Harn lifeguards said they remain committed to their work despite the attack. “We work very hard at this beach. Everyone strictly adheres to the rules. This year, there have been no fatalities. The total is still zero. We will be encouraged to continue our work,” one lifeguard said.
With strong rip currents continuing to claim lives along Phuket’s west coast each monsoon season, lifeguards and officials again urged all beachgoers to respect red flags and swimming bans.
“I would like to send my support to all the officers who stand up for the safety of the public and tourists,” a lifeguard added. “I urge everyone to respect beach rules so that the sea remains a place of happiness, not loss.”