A 25 year old US tourist, identified by authorities as Damien Williamson, has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a Thai jet ski worker following a dispute over damage to a rented jet ski at Patong Beach, Phuket. Police tracked the suspect to Bangkok after he reportedly left Phuket in an apparent attempt to leave the country before legal action could be taken.
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The alleged assault took place at about 5.10pm on 7 July 2026 at Patong Beach in Kathu district. According to the injured jet ski supervisor, Natthawut Dech-iam, the tourist had rented a jet ski before colliding with another jet ski, causing damage. When asked to pay for the repairs, the tourist allegedly refused responsibility and walked away towards Bangla Road.
Natthawut said he tried to resolve the matter calmly and informed the tourist that evidence confirmed the damage. He said the tourist continued to refuse payment, prompting him to follow and ask why the repair costs would not be covered.
According to Natthawut, the disagreement escalated when the tourist allegedly became angry, lifted him off the ground, threw him onto the pavement and repeatedly punched him in the face before fleeing towards Jungceylon shopping centre. The injured man said the group consisted of a foreign family of three, a father, mother and child, who had rented two jet skis.
Doctors later confirmed Natthawut had suffered multiple injuries, including bruising, facial swelling and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he knew the man was a tourist and wanted the matter to be handled through the legal process. He later filed a complaint with Pol Lt Piyanat Khunthong, Deputy Investigation Inspector at Patong Police Station.
Following the assault, investigators from Patong Police Station reviewed CCTV footage and gathered evidence to identify the suspect. Police later established that the American tourist had left Phuket for Bangkok and coordinated with officers in the capital. The suspect was arrested at the airport before he could leave Thailand.
Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek
Pol Col Korakrit Khankhruea, Superintendent of Patong Police Station, said investigators had been instructed to collect evidence and pursue legal action in accordance with the law while ensuring fairness to all parties. Natthawut said he wants the suspect to accept responsibility for both the damage to the rented jet ski and the injuries caused by the alleged assault.
He also urged authorities to enforce the law strictly against tourists who commit offences in order to maintain confidence among tourism operators and workers in Phuket. Komchadluek reported that police are expected to continue legal proceedings against the suspect as the investigation progresses.
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9 July 2026
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