Phuket Governor Naroong Woonciew has met with the Chinese Vice Consul after an employee at a Phuket tour company attacked a Chinese tourist with a knife. The company in question has had its licence suspended for 6 months and could be fined up to 500,000 baht. It’s understood the worker attacked the tourist during a row over an unrefunded deposit.
A Chinese family had handed over a 5,000 baht deposit as part-payment for a trip to the Similan Islands. However, when their pick-up driver failed to show, they cancelled the trip and wanted the money back. It was then that things got ugly and the tour company employee, named only as Ms Wiree, slashed one of the group with a knife.
\Governor Narong has apologised to Vice Consul Li Chenglong and assured him that the employee in question faces legal proceedings. In addition, further charges are forthcoming for the tour company. He offered a cheap Chinese-made (a Phuket mascot from a past sporting event) stuffed toy as a presentation of goodwill.
The Vice Consul thanked the authorities “for the swift handling of the matter, adding that the incident will not affect Thai-Sino relations”, according to an article in The Phuket Express.
“We are satisfied with the quick conclusion to this incident by authorities and thank relevant Phuket agencies and leaders that immediately followed up on the issue. We believe that this incident does not affect the good relationship between the Thai and Chinese people.”
However, he went on to add that the penalties handed down for the attack should serve as an example to prevent others from indulging in such behaviour.
“We have paid attention to all Chinese tourists who are visiting Phuket and Thailand. We expect that all Chinese tourists in Thailand will be safe and happy in visiting Phuket and other attractions and areas and want to come back again.”
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
