KOH TAO, THAILAND – A German tourist triggered an island-wide chase on Koh Tao that ended only when police confronted him naked in the sea and brought him down with a Taser.
Everything started outside a convenience store
According to police, the incident began in front of a minimart when the man approached a woman and asked for her phone number. She refused. He then pretended to read a map, suddenly grabbed her phone and ran away.
The woman immediately filed a complaint. Police launched a search across the island, but the suspected tourist had already set his sights on his next target.
Motorbike stolen, kayak seized
Shortly afterwards, the man stole a motorbike, left it behind again and instead took a kayak. Witnesses saw him paddling along the coast in an apparent attempt to escape officers.
Units from Police Region 8 requested speedboats and extended the search to the coastal waters. They eventually located the man near Chalok Beach.
Police deploy Taser X7
Bodycam footage showed officers confronting him in the water. He tried to swim away, then finally came ashore, naked. When he ignored repeated orders, officers used a Taser X7.
“We used the Taser to bring the situation safely under control. Non-lethal equipment is extremely important in places like this.”
said a tactical team officer from Police Region 8.
Emergency responders from Koh Tao then transported the man to hospital.
Hotel worker describes earlier behaviour
Kotchakorn Baipimai, a receptionist at a local hotel, reported that the man had earlier followed two women who were trying to check in. The women appeared visibly frightened and did not say a word.
Baipimai told him to leave the premises. He eventually drove off on a motorbike – the same one he allegedly stole shortly afterwards.
Investigation ongoing
Police were reviewing CCTV footage and collecting statements from several people who reported being affected. Possible charges had not yet been announced, and the man’s medical condition remained unclear.
Officers were still examining whether the incident pointed to an exceptional psychological state or had other causes, which remained under investigation.