Aggressive British beggar beaten on Bangla

PHUKET: A British beggar who was verbally abusing tourists who weren’t giving him money was attacked on Phuket’s main party street, Soi Bangla, last night.

Patong Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find Aziz Javid, 29, sprawled out on the road with a crowd of onlookers standing around him.

“He was suffering from a minor head injury and had a black eye. Rescue workers administered first aid and then took him to Patong Hospital,” said Capt Nattaya Suwanpong of the Patong Police.

A tourist who witnessed the attack told police that Mr Aziz was asking tourists for cash. Some were giving it to him, but some were not, explained Capt Nattaya.

“He shouted and cursed at people who wouldn’t give him money,” she said.

Mr Aziz angered one group of tourists to the point that they attacked him, knocking him to the ground, she said.

Mr Aziz was released from hospital about two hours after being admitted.

“No complaint was filed at the police station, so we are not investigating the case at this point in time,” Capt Nattaya explained.

— Thawit Bilabdullar