SHOCKED tourists looked on as several men beat up a female fruit vendor on Surin beach about noon today.
The woman, Mhaiwadee Thonglor, 24, told police she was punched in the scuffle with about six men and one beat her on the head with a chair.
It was her third day of selling fruit on the popular five-star beach but the leader of the men told her it was ''his beach'' and scattered the fruit and her cash of about 1000 baht across the sand.
The attack occurred in the middle of the beach, she said.
Khun Mhaiwadee's family, from nearby Cherng Talay, urged Cherng Talay police to pursue the thugs.
Lieutenant Seksan Komsakorn, of Cherng Talay Police Station, said he believed he knew the identity of one of the men. Several witrnesses had supported Khun Mhaiwadee's version of what happened, he said.
Khun Mhaiwadee was treated for cuts and bruises to her ear, face and neck and admitted this afternoon to Mission Hospital in Phuket City so doctors could observe her overnight and check for internal damage.
The broad daylight attack has regulars at Surin concerned. So does the arrival of a group of jet-skis, which are not supposed to operate from Surin.
Resort managers have complained frequently about loud fireworks being set off at all hours and criticised the behavior of taxi drivers stationed outside some Surin resorts close to the beach.
Phuket as the New Singapore: a Visionary's WarningThe woman, Mhaiwadee Thonglor, 24, told police she was punched in the scuffle with about six men and one beat her on the head with a chair.
It was her third day of selling fruit on the popular five-star beach but the leader of the men told her it was ''his beach'' and scattered the fruit and her cash of about 1000 baht across the sand.
The attack occurred in the middle of the beach, she said.
Khun Mhaiwadee's family, from nearby Cherng Talay, urged Cherng Talay police to pursue the thugs.
Lieutenant Seksan Komsakorn, of Cherng Talay Police Station, said he believed he knew the identity of one of the men. Several witrnesses had supported Khun Mhaiwadee's version of what happened, he said.
Khun Mhaiwadee was treated for cuts and bruises to her ear, face and neck and admitted this afternoon to Mission Hospital in Phuket City so doctors could observe her overnight and check for internal damage.
The broad daylight attack has regulars at Surin concerned. So does the arrival of a group of jet-skis, which are not supposed to operate from Surin.
Resort managers have complained frequently about loud fireworks being set off at all hours and criticised the behavior of taxi drivers stationed outside some Surin resorts close to the beach.
News Analysis One half of perhaps Phuket's most influential couple expresses a vision for Phuket's future as a Singapore of the 21st century, with the need for balance in lives and with nature.
Phuket as the New Singapore: a Visionary's Warning
Aussie Tourist 'Stole Sunglasses at Phuket Airport'
Latest An Australian tourist has been accused of stealing a pair of Rayban sunglasses from the duty free store at Phuket airport. The man was arrested in the departure lounge and is now in jail.
Aussie Tourist 'Stole Sunglasses at Phuket Airport'
Singapore Plan to Hunt and Export Phuket Tuna
Latest A request is made to Phuket's Governor to approve establishment of a Phuket processing plant that would export the catch of 300 tuna boats from Indonesia in Andaman waters.
Singapore Plan to Hunt and Export Phuket Tuna
Phuket Rescuers Pluck Chinese Tourist to Safety
Latest For several hours mystery surrounded the identity of a woman who was airlifted in an emergency helicopter call to Surin island, a popular spot for divers and snorkellers north of Phuket.
Phuket Rescuers Pluck Chinese Tourist to Safety
Phuket Boat Show: Photo Special
Latest Event The Phuket boat show has opened with early indications that it could attract the 6000 crowd that organisers predict between now and Sunday. It certainly floats a few boats.
Phuket Boat Show: Photo Special
all those onlookers and no videos surfaced yet?
If there are and they make it to youtube, one more scar for Thailand's reputation.
Posted by Mikey on January 7, 2011 23:05