Thailand’s tourism minister says the Phuket tour company worker who allegedly attacked a Chinese tourist with a knife has been charged. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says Wiree Sawangwit has been charged with attacking Fang Liqiao and carrying a knife in a public area.
According to a Nation Thailand report, Fang claims he booked a 9,000 baht trip to the Similan Islands for himself and 3 family members. He paid a deposit of 5,000 baht to Blue Ocean Travel, telling Wiree he would pay the remainder to the driver on the day of the pick-up, which was scheduled for January 31.
It’s understood Fang subsequently contacted Wiree prior to the pick-up date to inform her that the family had moved hotel. However, it appears this was not communicated to the driver, who failed to show.
The problem arose when the family tried to get their deposit back after the trip that never happened. According to the report, Wiree says she could only refund 3,400 baht as a 1,600 baht entry fee had already been paid to Mu Ko Similan National park.
Wiree has accused Fang of coming to the tour company’s office and attacking her on her face and body, at which point she retaliated by kicking him and slashing his arm with a knife. The Chinese tourist filed a complaint with Karon Police and was treated at Chalong Hospital.
Meanwhile, Wiree insists she was acting in self-defence. The Chinese tourist left Thailand on February 2.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
