PHUKET – A violent altercation between a Thai fruit vendor and an Azerbaijani tourist left the visitor seriously injured after a dispute over an unpaid 60 baht (US$1.65) fruit bill turned deadly. The incident occurred on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, a bustling nightlife hub in Patong, sparking shock among locals and tourists alike.

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According to Patong Police, emergency responders arrived to find Mr. O., 34, from Azerbaijan, bleeding profusely from a deep abdominal wound, with his intestines exposed. He was rushed to Patong Hospital for emergency surgery.

The alleged assailant, Mr. P., 25, a fruit vendor, remained at the scene and surrendered without resistance. In his statement, he claimed the tourist had eaten fruit from his cart but refused to pay, leading to a heated argument. In a fit of rage, Mr. P. grabbed a knife from his cart and stabbed the visitor. Police recovered the weapon as evidence.

Mr. P. has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault using a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face severe penalties under Thai law. Meanwhile, authorities are working to verify the exact circumstances of the altercation, including witness testimonies and CCTV footage.

The attack has raised concerns about street vendor disputes escalating into violence in tourist-heavy areas. Local business owners expressed worry over the incident’s potential impact on Phuket’s reputation as a safe destination.

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Patong Police have urged vendors and tourists to resolve conflicts calmly and seek mediation rather than resorting to violence.

-Thailand News (TN)