Phuket Fight: Russian Tourist Injured Defending Finns
Patong, Phuket—A pre-dawn altercation at a Phuket hotel on March 8, 2025, left a Russian man hospitalized after intervening in an alleged harassment incident involving two Finnish women. The incident, which occurred at the Neptuna Hotel on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road, prompted a swift police investigation resulting in the arrest of three foreign tourists.
According to Patong Police reports, the incident began around 5:37 a. m. when 44-year-old Russian national Mr. Aleksandr was in his hotel room with two Finnish women. The women stated they were followed to their room by three men who allegedly attempted to harass them. Mr. Aleksandr intervened to defend the women, one of whom he identified as his girlfriend, provoking a violent response from the three men. The ensuing fight left the Russian national with facial injuries, requiring transport to Patong Hospital.
Patong Police, under Superintendent Police Colonel Chalermchai Hersawat, immediately launched an investigation. Officers gathered evidence, including statements from the two Finnish women and surveillance footage from the Neptuna Hotel. The investigation quickly led them to the nearby LaCaza Hotel on Rat Uthit Road, where they apprehended the suspects.
The three suspects—30-year-old Mr. Can and 22-year-old Mr. Cem, both German nationals, and 23-year-old Mr. Salman, a Turkish national—were taken into custody. While admitting to the physical altercation with Mr. Aleksandr, they denied harassing the Finnish women. They claimed to have met the women at a nightclub and were escorting them back to their hotel when Mr. Aleksandr confronted them, escalating the situation into violence. This account contradicts the Finnish women’s testimony, leaving investigators to determine the exact sequence of events.
This incident highlights the challenges tourist destinations like Phuket face in ensuring visitor safety and security. The swift response by Patong Police demonstrates their commitment to maintaining order and addressing such incidents promptly. The three suspects are currently being held at Patong Police Station, facing charges of causing bodily harm, while the investigation continues. The case will proceed through the Thai legal system, where the conflicting accounts will be further examined. The severity of Mr. Aleksandr’s injuries will significantly influence the outcome. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict even in idyllic locations and underscores the importance of respecting cultural norms and behaving responsibly while traveling abroad.
