A German tourist was tasered by police after allegedly going on a bizarre rampage on Koh Tao, Thailand, during which he reportedly stole a mobile phone, a motorcycle and a kayak before attempting to escape into the sea. Officers detained the man after confronting him while he was naked on Chalok Beach. He was later taken to hospital while police continue investigating complaints from several victims.
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Authorities said the incident began outside a convenience store where the man reportedly approached a woman and asked for her contact details. When she refused, he allegedly pretended to check a map before suddenly grabbing her phone and fleeing the area. The incident prompted the woman to report the theft to local police, triggering an island-wide search.
Police said the situation escalated soon afterwards when the man allegedly stole a motorcycle before abandoning it and taking a kayak. Witnesses reported that he attempted to use the kayak to move away from the area along the island’s coastline. The unusual sequence of alleged thefts prompted officers from Provincial Police Region 8 to expand their search around Koh Tao.
Officers deployed speedboats as part of the search operation and eventually located the suspect near Chalok Beach. Police body camera footage shows officers approaching as the man attempted to swim away from them in the sea. He later came ashore where officers confronted him while he was naked.
Police said they used a Taser after the suspect refused to comply with repeated orders to stop. One officer from the tactical squad of Provincial Police Region 8 said the non-lethal device was used to safely control the situation. “We used a Taser X7 to safely control the situation. Non-lethal equipment is extremely important in places like this,” the officer said.
Pictures and video courtesy of The Sun
Rescuers from Koh Tao assisted in detaining the man before transporting him to hospital for medical assessment. Authorities said he remains in police custody while investigators continue gathering statements from victims and witnesses. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage and examining multiple complaints linked to the incident.
Local hotel receptionist Kotchakorn Baipimai said the man had earlier been seen following two women attempting to check into a hotel. She said the women appeared frightened and did not speak while the man tried to approach them. Baipimai told him to leave the premises before he eventually rode away on a motorbike.
Police said several victims may need to come forward to formally file complaints as the investigation continues. Officers have not yet confirmed possible charges or released further details about the suspect’s condition. Authorities said the full sequence of events is still being examined.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now TheSun 6 Mar 2026
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