Aussie tourist, 34, arrested over 'scary' fight at Thailand kebab shop
An Australian tourist has been arrested over a fight outside a kebab shop when they tried to jump the queue in Phuket, Thailand.
The 34-year-old was among a group of holidaymakers allegedly seen on video throwing punches and hurling chairs outside the restaurant earlier this week.
The Aussie and his friends had allegedly sparked a mass punch-up when they attended a kebab stall in the early hours of Monday morning, reportedly demanding to be served despite a long queue of customers waiting.
When staff refused to serve them, the drunk tourists allegedly threw bottles into the shop. A chaotic brawl ensued, with employees seen on video whacking the holidaymakers with kitchen utensils, mops, pipes, and chairs.
Police responded to the commotion, but the tourists had already fled the scene by the time they arrived.
The Australian was detained and interrogated by police at the Patong Police Station at around 5pm on March 28, where he allegedly confessed to participating in the brawl.
"The tourists involved in the fracas were identified from CCTV cameras in the area. It was a violent altercation that was scary for other tourists," Police Captain Nattawut Saraithong said.
"This incident could damage the reputation of the area and affect tourism so we will pursue it according to the law."
After his arrest, officers arranged a meeting between Australian and two restaurant workers involved in the fight, Jordanian national Mohammad Jehad Mohammad Alomari and Egyptian worker Abderahman Mohammad El Fawal.
The tourist claimed he and his friends were dissatisfied with the long wait for their meals, leading them to throw a bottle of water at the staff.
The two parties have exchanged apologies. However, police said they will continue filing charges against the Australian man.
Australscope
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