Violent robbery caught on camera
It was 4:19pm on September 18 when the attack unfolded on Layan Soi 7, Cherng Talay. A car deliberately slammed into the back of a motorbike ridden by an American man in his forties, throwing him hard onto the rain-soaked asphalt.
Dashcam footage, later published by Phuket Times, captures the shocking moment of impact as the tourist skids across the slick road. Within seconds, two masked men jumped from the vehicle, knife in hand.
They threatened the dazed rider, ripped a luxury watch from his wrist – valued at more than $9,430 – and fled, leaving the tourist stunned and shaken in the street.
The victim had just left the Boat Avenue shopping centre when his attackers struck.
Targeted for his luxury watch
According to police, the American firmly believes he was singled out for his expensive timepiece. The robbers concealed their faces and spoke fluent English, suggesting the crime was carefully planned.
The dashcam clip quickly went viral, drawing outrage online. Social media users slammed the brazen daylight assault and warned that such crimes could tarnish Phuket’s reputation as a safe tourist haven.
“Is Phuket really safe anymore?” one user wrote, echoing widespread concern that foreign criminals are now preying on both visitors and residents.
Police hunt foreign suspects
Officers from Cherng Talay Police Station rushed to the scene, combing for clues. Security footage from surrounding areas is being reviewed, and investigators say they have “several strong leads”.
“We have secured multiple pieces of evidence and are pursuing hot trails,” a police spokesman confirmed. Detectives are focusing on identifying the getaway vehicle and analysing voice recordings from witnesses, noting the suspects’ fluent English.
Police have urged anyone who spotted suspicious vehicles or men matching the description to come forward immediately as the hunt intensifies for the two masked foreigners.