Krabi teens claim stabbing of British tourist was a “misunderstanding’

PHUKET: Two teenagers who confessed to attacking a British tourist in Krabi on Monday have claimed that they “misunderstood” the foreigner’s actions and thought he was insulting them.

The victim, Daniel Cole, 21, has already undergone surgery for the cut wounds to his temple, chest, right shoulder and right arm and is recovering at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

Anusorn Kullak, 18, and his accomplice, 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are being held at Krabi Prison.

“They said Mr Cole had insulted them, so the 17-year-old stabbed him with a 15-inch Sparta knife, while Mr Anusorn used a shoe to beat him,” Ao Nang officer Lt Col Niwat Pimket told the Phuket Gazette.

The men ran off after the attack, and then people at a nearby dive shop called the police and rescue workers, he explained.

The British woman, April Clifton, 21, who was walking with Mr Cole was not attacked. The pair were arrested about four hours after the incident.

Today, Mr Cole explained to police that he was still shocked by the attack. However, he said he would like to return to Krabi as soon as possible so he could collect his belongings and return home.

— Atchaa Khamlo