Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

 

In a shocking incident in Phuket, nearly 20 foreigners allegedly attacked a Thai motorcycle rental shop owner and another local following a dispute over vehicle damage fines.

 

The altercation, captured on video, occurred around 9.30 pm on Monday, August 11, as reported by Newshawk Phuket on August 12. The footage reveals the foreigners, whose nationalities remain unknown, assaulting the pair in a narrow alleyway. Despite attempts by some to restrain their friends, the situation escalated beyond control.

 

The victims, one of whom owns a nearby motorcycle rental business, are currently receiving treatment at Patong Hospital. Witnesses reported that the conflict began when the owner requested compensation for damage to a rented motorcycle, which led to the foreign renters refusing to pay. The dispute spiralled out of control when the owner suggested police mediation, prompting a violent reaction from the group.

 

A local bystander, trying to assist the shop owner, also became a target of the aggression. Calls for police intervention were swiftly made, and a formal complaint has been lodged at Patong Police Station. Authorities are now examining security footage to identify and apprehend those involved.

 

This incident is not isolated but rather part of a troubling trend in Phuket. In June, a similar violent altercation involving foreigners occurred outside a shopping centre, where two men assaulted security guards after being confronted for breaking local regulations.

 

 

Earlier in February, another dispute in Patong saw a group of foreign men attack a Thai tuk-tuk driver over a parking disagreement. Such incidents underscore the growing tension between foreign visitors and local residents.

 

Tourism, a significant contributor to Phuket’s economy, needs careful management to avoid further deterioration of relations. Although the island is famed for its hospitality and vibrant lifestyle, these episodes highlight the importance of adhering to local norms and respecting community standards.

 

The Patong business community has expressed concern and urged stricter enforcement of regulations to protect both residents and visitors. The local government is expected to respond by ensuring safety and harmonious co-existence between tourists and locals.

 

As officials continue to investigate, the story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain Phuket as a welcoming and safe destination. The local authorities, businesses, and residents must collaborate to address these challenges, ensuring that Phuket remains a sought-after spot for international travellers while safeguarding the well-being of its community.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-13

 

6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

20 foreigners allegedly attacked a Thai motorcycle rental shop owner and another local

So 10 onto one,  looks like they don't appreciate a taste of their own medicine, anyway no smoke without without fire thats a lot of dissatisfied  customers  serves them right

"The dispute spiralled out of control when the owner suggested police mediation,"

 

 That pretty much told me everything I needed to know about what happened.  And anyone who has lived here long enough and understands how police mediation works in these disputes should also understand what was going on.  Just substitute motorcycle for jet ski. 

Unsupported biased supposition removed

Looks like more quality, high value tourists.  Mind you Phuket well known worldwide for damage scams on bikes and jet skis

These new european Passportholders behave in a foreign country just like they behave in their Banlieus

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

whose nationalities remain unknown

Looks like Ali Baba and his 40 thieves. 

 

Seems like the Indians or Kuwaiti´s are showing there true face again.

15 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

So 10 onto one,  looks like they don't appreciate a taste of their own medicine, anyway no smoke without without fire thats a lot of dissatisfied  customers  serves them right

You really think all that violence was justified? Omg.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As officials continue to investigate, the story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain Phuket as a welcoming and safe destination

Phuket & Pattaya alike... 

The usual suspects......

Good!!  Robbing tuk tuks and scam motorbike rentals without a gang around karma all the way, doubt the police will do much about it apart from fine the farang though unfortunately, hey need a slap some of these scam rental owners and tuk tuks don't understand why  the authorities don't just regulate the businesses properly then this sheeeiittee wouldn't happen (it probably there would just be more brown envelopes flying aboot)

To be fair we know these motorbike and jetski operators run common scams where they blame the renter for damage.  Police won't do anything.  Eventually they take it into their own hands. 

 

Not saying that's what happened here but we all know its all too common. And will lead to this. 

Oh, so the opposite of the normal situation where 20 Thais assault one foreigner.

Yes, yes, 20 foreigners, but it is not those foreigners who are bringing in the money here.
Other, not so nice foreigners.

savagery, but he almost certainly tried to scam them.

why not take photos of the condition of the ebikes before renting them and then there is proof if any damage was done during the rental? 

 

 

15 hours ago, ricklev said:

That pretty much told me everything I needed to know about what happened. 

Blimey Sherlock, thats impressive. A new role in life awaits outside of that echo chamber of leftist hate:-)

Just be happy there's no direct flights into Utapao Airport from Dubai or other mid east places.

 

Let all the Arabic trash go to Phuket.

(Irony ON)

 

They were certainly Russians, Arabs or Indians, because English, Americans, Swiss, Israelis, French, Germans or similar do not do such a thing, or do not have to be at least 20!

 

(Irony OFF)

4 minutes ago, WorriedNoodle said:

Blimey Sherlock, thats impressive. A new role in life awaits outside of that echo chamber of leftist hate:-)

Peace brother!

if the shop owner was running a variation of the pattaya jet ski scam,  i can understand the anger.  the jet ski scammers always invited police involvement as well,  and some corrupt cop appears and takes the side of the scammer, naturally. 

Come on, this time it's just "foreigners" when usually nationality is clearly stated. Looks like Arabs to me.... 

37 minutes ago, Card said:

You really think all that violence was justified? Omg.

Damage scamming has been going on in the rental bussines for years, you should take lots of pics of your rental and check insurance b4 driveing or riding off. 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

nearly 20 foreigners

So is it twenty or nearly twenty?

The headline and first sentence don't tally.

Well, tourism is up, let's see what happens next week.

Low IQ low impulse control idiots from a particular part of the world. Interesting that when they come from this particular part of the world they're called foreigners but if someone comes from the US, Britian or Australia for example the nationality is given.

44 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Good!!  Robbing tuk tuks and scam motorbike rentals without a gang around karma all the way, doubt the police will do much about it apart from fine the farang though unfortunately, hey need a slap some of these scam rental owners and tuk tuks don't understand why  the authorities don't just regulate the businesses properly then this sheeeiittee wouldn't happen (it probably there would just be more brown envelopes flying aboot)

Don't think any white folk were involved.

So does the rental shop have insurance against damage?

10 against 1 or 20 against 1...the Farangs learned from the Thais...

So the scammers are at it again, looks like the Arabs were not to happy. First they all get done for not having the correct license, then another fine for not wearing the helmet provided, and to top it all off, get scammed when returning the bike. Well, at least the Thais have their priorities right when it comes to nationality.