A 44-year-old British man has been arrested on Koh Samui after allegedly attacking a French tourist and a Thai woman during a confrontation at a hotel in Bo Phut, Surat Thani province. The incident took place around midday on November 19 and drew a police response after witnesses reported a heated altercation inside the establishment.
Officers from the Bo Phut Police Station arrived to find two people injured: Mathis, a 23-year-old French visitor, and Kanokwan, a 21-year-old woman from Nakhon Ratchasima. Both were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to initial reports, Kanokwan suffered more serious injuries and remains under medical care as doctors assess her condition.
Police quickly detained the alleged attacker, identified as Richard, who was still at the hotel when officers arrived. During questioning, Richard told police that he had entered the room and found Mathis with his girlfriend, Kanokwan, which led to a confrontation. He admitted to physically attacking the Frenchman but denied causing injuries to Kanokwan, claiming she harmed herself. He also alleged that she had a history of self-injury, a claim investigators are examining carefully.
Police say they are working to clarify the sequence of events and the source of each injury. Medical reports will play a central role in determining whether additional charges will be pursued. Investigators also plan to interview Kanokwan when her condition improves, as her testimony will help establish whether the British national’s account aligns with the evidence.
Authorities have confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. Officers are reviewing statements, medical findings, and any available security footage from the hotel to better understand what led to the altercation. Police emphasised that all parties involved will have the opportunity to provide full statements.
Under Thai criminal law, penalties for assault vary based on the seriousness of the injuries inflicted. Minor assault can result in up to one month of imprisonment or a fine of up to 10,000 baht. However, if doctors determine that the victims suffered serious bodily harm, the penalties increase significantly, ranging from six months to 10 years in prison and fines between 10,000 and 200,000 baht.
Authorities also used the incident to remind the public that violent behaviour, regardless of emotional motives or relationship disputes, is treated seriously under Thai law. Police stressed that personal conflicts do not justify physical aggression and that thorough investigations are conducted in all such cases.
As the investigation continues, officers will rely on medical evaluations and victim statements before finalising the charges. The case has drawn attention in the local community, highlighting the importance of safety and lawful conduct in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations.
