17-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Two New Zealand nationals were apprehended by police after they injured a local traffic policeman and attempted to snatch his pistol on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 3:50 pm when Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad, a traffic policeman from Chalong station, instructed Hamish Day, aged 36, and Oscar Day, aged 38, to stop on Chaofa (East) Road in tambon Chalong of Muang district. The New Zealanders were riding their motorcycles at high speeds in a designated community zone and failed to remain in the left lane.
Rather than complying with the officer’s order, the visitors accelerated in an attempt to flee. Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak pursued them closely. Eventually, the foreigners halted their motorcycles but became agitated. The policeman, recognizing the tension, used his mobile phone to record their reactions.
However, the two men obstructed the recording and launched an attack on the officer, forcefully bringing him to the ground in an attempt to seize his pistol. Amidst the scuffle, a single shot was fired from the firearm, fortunately without harming anyone.
Additional police officers from Chalong station swiftly arrived at the scene, apprehending both New Zealanders. Subsequently, they were charged with robbery, obstruction of police duty, physical assault against a policeman, driving without a license, and bribery.
Pol Col Ekarat Plaiduang, the chief of Chalong station, stated on Sunday that both individuals were being held in custody at the station. On Monday, they would be presented before the Phuket Provincial Court, where a request for an extension of their detention would be made.
The station chief further revealed that upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak, who promptly rejected the illicit offer.
The traffic policeman sustained injuries to his fingers and arms during the altercation but received medical treatment and has since been discharged from the hospital. His dedication and bravery in the line of duty will be acknowledged and rewarded. Pol Col Ekarat highlighted that this incident marked the first instance of visitors attacking police officers at Chalong station.
