PHUKET, THAILAND – Police detained two French nationals in Phuket and questioned six suspects in Pattaya after separate Songkran water-fight clashes involving foreign tourists.
Clash in Kathu: Early-morning violence during Songkran
In Phuket, two French citizens were arrested on Tuesday following an alleged assault on a Thai man during Songkran celebrations in the Kathu district. The incident occurred on Monday, 13 April, at about 4.30 a.m. according to police.
Police said 29-year-old Kunanya Phokham had been riding his motorcycle to meet his girlfriend when a group of foreign revellers blocked the road. The group was throwing water and using water guns in the street.
Kunanya reportedly indicated that he did not want to join the water fight and tried to drive through while remaining seated on his motorcycle. Shortly afterwards, a man in the group allegedly poured water directly into his face.
The same man then reportedly struck him with a water gun, prompting Kunanya to stop and confront the group. The confrontation escalated within moments, according to the police account.
Multiple attackers and injuries: Victim taken to hospital
Another man allegedly approached from behind and hit Kunanya, after which several people were said to have joined the attack. The Thai victim was reportedly surrounded by multiple assailants and suffered injuries to his face and body.
Witnesses intervened, removed him from the scene and took him to Patong Hospital. Medical staff treated facial injuries and bruising, but the full extent of his injuries was not made public.
Later the same day, 27-year-old Maytinee Sila, Kunanya’s girlfriend, filed a complaint with Patong Police. She told officers that Kunanya had been on his way to meet her near the Marine Market.
She said their planned meeting point was the “Black Bar” and that he had tried to avoid the Songkran festivities. Because the group blocked the road, she added, the encounter had become unavoidable before the situation turned violent.
Investigation and arrests: Two French suspects in custody
Police at Patong station opened an investigation under case file number 53, dated 13 April 2026. Several senior officers were listed in the official report as overseeing the operation and subsequent inquiries.
After reviewing witness statements and available evidence, investigators identified two suspects: Bouboune Nicolas Florent and Heraoui Abdelkrim, both French nationals. On Tuesday, 14 April, the men were arrested, questioned and then placed in custody on assault charges under Thai law while the investigation continued.
Separate case in Pattaya: Soi 6 dispute during Songkran
Separately, violence also broke out during Songkran in Pattaya’s well-known nightlife strip Soi 6. The clash was reportedly triggered when a foreign man sprayed water on a group of Thai women that included motorcycle taxi drivers and bar security staff.
When another foreign tourist tried to help his companion, the situation allegedly escalated further and drew in additional participants. The altercation culminated in an attack on a foreigner wearing a white shirt, with men in orange motorcycle taxi vests also reported to have been involved.
The Pattaya incident was captured on video and circulated on social media on Monday, 13 April, prompting strong reactions and criticism. Pattaya City Police initially stated that no formal complaint had been filed.
Video pressure: Six suspects summoned by Pattaya police
Under growing public pressure, police summoned six suspects for questioning on Wednesday, 15 April. Those called in included motorcycle taxi drivers and bar security workers from Soi 6.
The group admitted taking part in the attack but claimed that the foreign tourists had started the confrontation. They alleged that one of the foreigners had first assaulted a Thai national who had been involved in the water games.
The incidents in Phuket and Pattaya highlighted how quickly festive water battles during Songkran could turn into violence when personal boundaries were not respected. The cases also raised questions over whether party hotspots should introduce stricter rules or clearly designated zones for water play during the holiday period.
“Songkran is considered a joyful festival – but the cases from Phuket and Pattaya show how quickly water fights can turn into violence when boundaries are not respected.”
said Thai Examiner, source publication.
“Should there be stricter rules or clearly demarcated zones for water fights in party hotspots?”
said Thai Examiner, source publication.
“How do you experience Songkran in Thailand: mostly exuberant and safe, or increasingly aggressive and confusing?”
said Thai Examiner, source publication.