Russian tourist's knife rampage in Phuket ends in arrest
Terrifying scenes unfolded in a hotel in Phuket. A tourist from Russia pulled out a knife and began attacking other holidaymakers and, later, Thai police officers as well. The man was eventually subdued, although it wasn't easy. His idyllic holiday ended at the police station.
After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the number of Russian tourists visiting Thailand increased significantly. In August of last year, Bloomberg reported that the number of Russians visiting Thailand increased by about 1,000 per cent. By the end of last year, over a million tourists from Russia visited the island of Phuket.
Some bought a one-way ticket. This caused numerous problems, not only for the locals.
A dangerous incident occurred on Friday, 27th December, at a hotel in the Chang Thale district of Phuket. A Russian tourist grabbed a knife and began injuring other hotel guests. He then attacked the police officers who arrived at the scene to control the situation.
Russian man went berserk. "State of delirium"
The aggressor was not willing to surrender. He waved the knife and attacked anyone who crossed his path. According to media reports, one of the Russian victims sustained minor injuries.
Ultimately, force was used to restrain the aggressive man. According to the "Phuket Times," at one point, the "perpetrator fell into a state of delirium." A photo published by local media showed the Russian man with blood stains on his body and injuries, including on his face and arms.
The man was taken to Thalang Hospital and then to the police station in Chong Thale for further proceedings. In Thailand, disturbing the public peace can result in a fine of up to 5,000 baht (€132), while causing injuries to others can result in a fine of up to 40,000 baht (€1,060) or two years in prison.
