Iguana Starts Fight On Soi Crocodile, Tourist Stabbed

[LivinginKata]

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Iguana starts fight on Soi Crocodile, tourist stabbed

An iguana handler tempts a tourist to have his picture taken on Soi Bangla. File photo

PHUKET: A Syrian tourist was stabbed in Patong on Tuesday night after an argument over an iguana turned ugly. Four Thai men were later arrested and charged for the stabbing and face charges of assault and grievous bodily harm.

According to Patong police, four iguana handlers ganged up on Mohammed Imed Arab, 20, after he got into an argument with one of the handlers on Soi Crocodile off Bangla Road.

Police said the Syrian refused to have his picture taken with an iguana when he was approached by one of the handlers. The situation quickly escalated into an argument, which was exacerbated by the language barrier and aggressive body language on both sides.

During the altercation, three other iguana handlers went to assist their friend and the Syrian was stabbed in the right side of his torso with a pocket knife.

The victim escaped his assailants by running into a nearby bar, where staff called police and paramedics.

Mohammed was taken to Patong Hospital and released earlier today.

The four male iguana handlers aged between 18 and 21 years old were arrested later that night in the Patong area. The four admitted to the attack and are due to appear in court to face charges. – Kittima Pornmongkhonwat

<img src=http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/pics/pglogo.jpg target="_blank">

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-10-28

[Valentine]

It seems like the recession is fueling the agressive approaches to drum up business whether it be iguana handlers, go go bar touts or the multitude of others. It also highlights the fact any foreigner caught up in an altercation with a local will always end up having to fend off many more.

[LivinLOS]

Its possibly in part the recession.. But its the changing face of the tourist zone.

There used to be a handful of touts, then that went to 20 or so, the the police licensed them (mean charge them to operate) and now they have police support so can act any way they like.. So they act like arrogant bully boys safe in the knowledge that if they start something they can gang up on the tourist and the police will usually look the other way. Theres now 10's maybe 100's of them from one end of the strip to the other.

Tourists have ceased to be a resource where cash met services, and become a resource to be plundered as much as they can.

[hanno]

Sure, the touts are a pain, but to get into a fight over an Iguana of all things ? I am sure there was probably some lip from the Syrian, too. Not that that excuses him getting stabbed in any way.

[Valentine]

Its possibly in part the recession.. But its the changing face of the tourist zone.

There used to be a handful of touts, then that went to 20 or so, the the police licensed them (mean charge them to operate) and now they have police support so can act any way they like.. So they act like arrogant bully boys safe in the knowledge that if they start something they can gang up on the tourist and the police will usually look the other way. Theres now 10's maybe 100's of them from one end of the strip to the other.

Tourists have ceased to be a resource where cash met services, and become a resource to be plundered as much as they can.

I agree & am sure that anyone who peddles their wares has to purchase a "licence" & the smell which seems to permanently permeate throughout Bangla will forever be infused with the scum that inhabit it. Having said that most of the peddlers are simply trying to earn a living but the way the whole scene is organised needs to be radically overhauled or soon Patong will be a bigger wild west show than it already is.

[thefalang]

Its possibly in part the recession.. But its the changing face of the tourist zone.

There used to be a handful of touts, then that went to 20 or so, the the police licensed them (mean charge them to operate) and now they have police support so can act any way they like.. So they act like arrogant bully boys safe in the knowledge that if they start something they can gang up on the tourist and the police will usually look the other way. Theres now 10's maybe 100's of them from one end of the strip to the other.

Tourists have ceased to be a resource where cash met services, and become a resource to be plundered as much as they can.

Aye! Patong is a "battle zone". I don't even like to go there during the day!

[wpcoe]

What a disappointment when I read this thread. The title sounds like an iguana picked a fight on a crocodile ("soi crocodile" to me was like "soi dog.")

[catmac]

Can't believe all these stories about touts and scum in Patong!

I sem to recall some misguided "Thaier than Thai" saying that Phuket would become the destination of choice for the discerning traveller. I thought then that he was a pratt, even more convinced of that now!

P.s. I was looking forward to the story of an Iguana fighting with a Crocodile, too!

[brahmburgers]

Yet another reason to avoid Patong.

I'm planning a trip for March 2010, and thinking of Central southern India, specifically an ancient capital there called Hampi. I heard there's a wealth of rock climbing there, which would suit me. ....better than getting ganged up on and stabbed by iguana touts, or getting extorted by a jetski punk at Phuket. Or, if a tourist is wiley enough to avoid those sorts of things, he's almost guaranteed being ripped off by taxis going to or from the airport there (or going anywhere on the island).

Granted, I'm sure India has it's share of scammers, but I doubt they're as quick to anger/threats and getting offended, and ganging up on farang, as some Thais are becoming - the Thais who are infesting touristy places.