Phuket vendor held after Kata Beach tourist assault

A Thai ice cream vendor has been detained after a Ukrainian tourist was attacked on a road near Kata Beach in Phuket on July 29. Police said the 33-year-old suspect, Parinya, was later found to have tested positive for drugs.

The incident was captured in footage circulated on Thai social media, showing a man in a black long-sleeved shirt attacking a foreign tourist dressed in a black top and shorts.

The attacker was seen repeatedly punching the tourist after he had fallen to the ground. The victim was eventually able to get away.

Tourist taken to hospital

Karon Police Station officers who went to the scene found two Ukrainian nationals, identified as Dmitrii and Dmytroy. One of the men had been injured and was taken to Vajira Phuket Hospital for treatment.

Reports said the suspect, believed to have been under the influence of drugs, also tried to stab local residents who stepped in to help the tourist. Bystanders restrained and beat the man and held him until police arrived.

Video from the scene show the suspect holding a knife. However, it was not clear whether it was used during the assault on the tourist, and no visible knife wounds could be seen in the footage.

Police have not provided a further update on the injured Ukrainian man's condition.

Motive still under investigation

Police identified the alleged attacker as Parinya, originally from Chachoengsao province, who had moved to Phuket to work as an ice cream vendor.

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Times

Officers said he remained agitated when they arrived and took him into custody. He underwent a urine drug test which, police said, returned a positive result.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation. No further information has been released on what led to the confrontation near the popular Kata Beach area.

For foreign residents and visitors, the case is a reminder that incidents can occur even around Phuket's busy tourist beaches and nearby roads. Anyone witnessing an emergency can call the police on 191, while the Tourist Police helpline is 1155.

Video courtesy of Phuketinsta

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31 July 2026

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