PHUKET, Thailand – Two Emirati men were arrested in Phuket after allegedly fleeing a police checkpoint, kicking a pursuing officer’s motorcycle and riding against traffic before causing the officer to crash. The incident occurred at around 1 p.m. on August 13 at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road in Kathu district.
Police said a black Honda ADV 160 carrying two foreign men was travelling from Patong towards the Si Kor intersection when officers ordered the rider to stop for a licence check. The rider allegedly accelerated through the checkpoint instead. A police officer, Sgt. Maj. Siwayot Yodrabam, followed the motorcycle towards Phra Phuket Kaew Road. Near Kathu Municipality, officers again ordered the pair to stop, but the passenger allegedly kicked the officer’s motorcycle with his left foot, causing it to lose balance.
The pursuit continued towards a duty-free store, where the suspects allegedly rode against traffic and entered a soi leading to The Valley housing estate. They then reportedly cut in front of the pursuing police motorcycle, causing the officer to crash. The officer suffered injuries, while his clothing, glasses and motorcycle were damaged. Despite being injured, he continued the pursuit until reaching the end of the road inside the housing estate, where the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and fled on foot. Police searched the surrounding area and later found both men walking near the entrance to The Valley estate.
They were identified as Sohaill, 21, an Emirati national, who was allegedly riding the motorcycle, and Hamad Saif Rashed, 20, also an Emirati national, who was the passenger. Police informed both men of the allegations and their legal rights before taking them, along with the motorcycle, to Kathu Police Station. They were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
