A Russian tourist, whose behaviour was described by onlookers as “insane”, was counselled then detained at Phuket Airport on Monday, December 11.
According to a The Phuket News report, the man was seen wandering around the airport shirtless, barefoot and acting strangely. There were sightings of other shirtless caucasians on the same day at both the domestic and international terminals.
Police and staff from the Tourist Assistance Centre were called after the Russian climbed onto a balcony in the terminal.
Witnesses say he was muttering and talking to himself. Officers managed to finally get him down from a balcony and then tried to get him assistance. Police made him put on a shirt and took him to an area away from other passengers.
Photos show officials from the Tourist Assistance Centre talking to the man at an Aeroflot check-in counter. It’s understood that he was subsequently denied boarding.
According to the TAC, officers eventually managed to make contact with the Russian’s friends or relatives, who arrived to pick him up.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).
SOURCE: The Phuket News
