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Two tourists from New Zealand were detained by Thai authorities and had their visas cancelled for assaulting a police officer.
The Day brothers, aged 36 and 38, have been prohibited by immigration officials from re-entering Thailand. According to Thai news source Bangkok Post, the siblings have been accused of various crimes such as robbery, assaulting an officer, attempting to bribe, and operating a motorcycle without a license.
According to authorities, police officer Somsak Noo-iat observed the individuals driving recklessly on their motorcycles on Saturday. The individuals attempted to flee when Mr. Somsak attempted to intervene.
The individuals proceeded to give a bribe to the law enforcement officer, who attempted to record the actions of the two men using his phone. Following this, the siblings supposedly grappled with Mr Somsak and seized his firearm.
The gun was discharged, but there were no casualties. The police chief also mentioned that one of the siblings is skilled in mixed martial arts.
The footage of the occurrence has become widely shared on the internet, with bystanders audibly urging them to cease. The two siblings have refuted all accusations and authorities announced on Monday their intention to request the court to reject their release on bail.
The supervisor of Mr. Somsak and the Chalong Police Chief, Ekkarat Plaiduang, reported that Mr. Somsak sustained injuries but is currently recuperating.
On Monday, Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, addressed the press and denounced the actions of the brothers as “unacceptable”.
“The conduct was deemed inappropriate and unlawful,” stated Mr. Sophon, who also expressed that “severe measures” will be implemented to “preserve the tourism ambience of Phuket.”
The father of the brothers, Laurence Day, shared with the New Zealand Herald: “Our family is in a state of distress. We are hopeful for a positive outcome. Who could have anticipated this? They were just two young boys on a vacation.”
Source: independent.co.uk
