Bangla guards face probe after mob bashing video

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Patong Police have launched an investigation after a video of a Bangla Rd brawl going viral on social media. The fight is believed to have started after a security guard interfered in an argument between a male and a female tourist. The incident allegedly had nothing to do with street racing and road rage which was a separate case to be investigated by Patong Police.

The video and pictures of a fight between around 10 Thai men and a foreign tourist were posted online last Wednesday evening (Feb 15). The publication was then commented on by many users who criticised what had happened in Phuket’s main nightlife district.

The recording showed a foreigner trying to escape from a group of men in black shirts believed to be security guards from a local entertainment venue.

His attempt failed as he bumped into another similarly dressed man who knocked him out with one straight punch in the face. The group then started stomping on the foreigner while he remained on the sidewalk, allegedly unconscious.

Many Facebook users appealed to Phuket Police and other officials to take measures following the incident and protect Phuket’s tourism image from further deterioration.

At time of press, Patong Police, Phuket Provincial Police and other relevant government agencies had yet to go public and comment on the incident which had happened at least two days earlier, judging by the time when the video was posted. No comments from Patong entertainment business operators were published as all the venues were closed at that time.

Last Friday (Feb 17), a group of Phuket reporters went to the scene, where they believe the situation could have arisen from a quarrel between the foreigner from the video and his girlfriend.

One of the security guards allegedly interfered which