Two tourist from New Zealand were apprehended after causing harm to a local traffic officer and making an attempt to take his firearm on Saturday evening, as reported by the police.
At 3:50 pm on Saturday, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad, a traffic officer stationed in Chalong, directed Hamish Day, 36, and Oscar Day, 38, to stop on Chaofa (East) Road in tambon Chalong of Muang district. The two men were riding motorcycles at a high speed in a residential area and did not adhere to the left lane.
Rather than complying with the officer’s instruction to stop, the visitors accelerated in an attempt to flee. Subsequently, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak pursued them.
After a brief chase, the foreigners eventually halted their motorcycles but became verbally aggressive. The officer attempted to document their behavior using his mobile phone.
The altercation escalated when the men obstructed the recording and physically assaulted the policeman, causing him to fall to the ground and trying to seize his firearm. In the scuffle, the firearm discharged once, fortunately without causing harm.
Additional officers from Chalong station promptly arrived at the scene and apprehended both New Zealanders. Following their arrest, they were charged with robbery, impeding police duties, assault on an officer, driving without a license, and attempted bribery.
Pol Col Ekarat Plaiduang, the head of Chalong station, disclosed on Sunday that the individuals were being held at the station and would be presented in court on Monday for a detention extension request.
Despite offering a bribe after their apprehension, both men were refused by Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak. The injured traffic officer received treatment for injuries to his fingers and arms before being discharged from the hospital. Pol Col Ekarat mentioned that he would be recognized and rewarded for his valor. This incident marked the first instance of visitors attacking police officers at Chalong station, as noted by the station chief.
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