Phuket –
A 40-year-old American tourist was targeted by two foreign assailants in an upscale area of Phuket on Thursday (September 18th).
The Cherng Talay Police told the Phuket Express that the victim, a lawyer based overseas who has visited Phuket multiple times, was riding a motorcycle back from Boat Avenue market in Cherng Talay around 4:20 PM when the attack occurred near Soi 7 on the road to Layan.
According to initial reports, two men—described as foreign nationals with fluent English—followed the victim in a car, deliberately rammed his motorcycle, and then confronted him with a knife.
The attackers forcibly stole a luxury wristwatch valued at over 2.3 million baht. The timepiece, identified as a “PK Watch Swiss ,” features a rose gold casing and is considered a high-end collector’s item.
After the robbery, the suspects abandoned their vehicle in the jurisdiction of Sakoo Police Station and fled the scene. Authorities are now actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Police have yet to confirm whether the attack was premeditated or opportunistic, but the methodical nature of the assault—complete with vehicle pursuit and weapon use—has raised concerns about organized criminal activity targeting affluent tourists.
Local officials are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant, especially in areas frequented by tourists. The investigation is ongoing.
