A British man, who has not been named by authorities, who was involved in a violent confrontation with a Thai Muay Thai instructor in Phuket has reportedly returned to the United Kingdom for medical treatment while police continue investigating the altercation.
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The clash took place in Soi Ta-iad, Chalong and gained widespread attention after video footage circulated on social media. The footage showed a confrontation between a foreign man carrying a metal baton or aluminium bar and a 50-year-old Thai Muay Thai instructor identified as Waikun, who was armed with a sword.
According to Waikun, the dispute began when he warned the foreign motorcyclist about allegedly dangerous riding in the narrow street. The warning led to a verbal argument which escalated into a physical confrontation.
Waikun said the foreign man punched him several times in the face and left eye during the initial encounter. Medical examinations later found that he had suffered a fractured eye socket, blurred vision and pain around his left eye and jaw.
The Muay Thai instructor said he subsequently returned to his home and retrieved a sword because he feared he could be attacked again. He maintained that he acted in self-defence and had no intention of attacking the foreign man first.
In the latest development, local reports indicate that the British national has already left Thailand and flown back to the United Kingdom. Reports claim he departed without undergoing further treatment in Thailand and chose to continue his recovery at home instead.
According to a woman described as a friend of the British man, he denied being intoxicated during the confrontation. She said he told her: “I insist I was not drunk, and what happened to me went beyond self-defence.”
The same reports suggested that medical treatment in Thailand could have cost as much as 250,000 baht, although no official confirmation of treatment costs has been released.
Investigators are continuing to review witness statements, medical reports and video evidence to establish the full sequence of events. Authorities are expected to determine whether legal action will follow once the investigation is completed.
Caution graphic video shows the extent of the injury
Video courtesy of SiamChon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Phuket Times 16 June 2026
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