Full-Moon frazzled farang in BB rampage

SURAT THANI: Koh Phang Ngan police came under a hail of BB gunfire when they tried to subdue a middle-aged Swiss tourist on a rampage in a weaponry shop, Khao Sod has reported.

Boom BB Guns shop owner Manop Wongtawan on the morning of July 4 called police to his store, which sells BB guns as well as knives and other weapons that are apparently in demand on the tiny resort island, famous for its drug-fueled, all-night ‘full moon’ parties.

At the scene, officers were met by a crazed-looking Caucasian tourist brandishing a gas-powered soft air gun and throwing around Mr Manop’s wares.

Police approached to try and calm down the man, who appeared to be around 40 years old.

Their overture was met by a hail of plastic ball bearing gunfire.

Somewhat calmer than their military colleagues in Bangkok in May, the officers decided against returning fire with live rounds and instead beat a hasty retreat while the tourist continued to smash up the shop.

Police then persuaded the shop owner to brave the wrath of the freaked out farang and remove serious weapons like samurai swords and baseball bats from inside the store to prevent the incident from escalating.

The stand off lasted for about two full hours before police charged the troublesome tourist and disarmed him.

Officers took the man to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station, but when they arrived the recalcitrant man refused to get out of the police car. Passing tourists were called in to help negotiate with the man, who refused to give his name but said he came from Switzerland.

Witnesses told police they had seen the man wandering around the island since the previous week’s full moon party. He reportedly spent the party and the following week wandering around looking vacant and paranoid, repeatedly mumbling to himself “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

He allegedly assaulted a bar girl and some passing tourists, although police were apparently not called for those incidents.

Mr Manop has demanded 100,000 baht in compensation for the damage done to his shop. Police said they would wait for the frantic farang to calm down before questioning him further.

— Khao Sod