Patong: A Kuwaiti national has been located by Patong police after allegedly spraying a pharmacist with an unknown substance, causing the pharmacist to nearly collapse inside his store.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at Mukda Pharmacy on Phra Baramee Road in the Patong Subdistrict of Kathu District, Phuket. The foreign man, appearing to be of Arab descent, arrived on a motorcycle late at night and engaged the pharmacist under the pretense of purchasing medicine. Claiming to have been assaulted by a taxi driver, the man sought directions to the Patong Police Station. After receiving assistance and purchasing medication for 510 baht, the man lingered in the store, singing Arabic songs and conversing with the pharmacist.
Upon returning to the store with a suitcase, the pharmacist noticed marijuana and inquired about it. The situation escalated when the customer suddenly sprayed the pharmacist with a bottle of perfume. The pharmacist experienced severe symptoms, including loss of control, a stiffened tongue, difficulty speaking, and imbalance. He managed to eject the man from the store, lock the door, and call an ambulance that transported him to Patong Hospital.
Mr. Tong-Phijet Intrakaset, the pharmacist and shop owner, later visited Patong Police Station to follow up on the case. He was scheduled for a mediation meeting with the perpetrator. However, only a friend representing the Kuwaiti man appeared, claiming the individual was unwell with mental health issues and preparing to return to Kuwait. Mr. Tong-Phijet recounted encountering the perpetrator at the police station earlier, describing him as threatening and incoherent, and more likely under the influence of drugs than suffering from mental illness. Without a medical certificate, Mr. Tong-Phijet agreed to drop the matter after being shown a plane ticket confirming the man's departure to Kuwait.
Mr. Tong-Phijet emphasized the need for police coordination with the Kuwaiti embassy to address the man's behavior, expressing gratitude to the Patong Hospital medical team for their prompt response. He also urged pharmacies and late-night businesses to remain vigilant, noting the increasing diversity of tourists. He mentioned that he was the second person admitted with such symptoms that night.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, disclosed that the Kuwaiti suspect had committed similar acts previously. The police tracked him down promptly, and two bottles of perfume have been sent for forensic analysis. While the pharmacist chose not to press charges, the police plan to inform the Kuwaiti embassy. A background check on the suspect is ongoing, but no additional information has been uncovered yet.