Tuk-tuk driver stabs Welshman

PATONG: A Welsh tourist is expected to be discharged from Phuket International Hospital today after being stabbed in the chest following a dispute over a tuk-tuk fare early yesterday morning.

Kathu Deputy Inspector for Crime Suppression, Pol Capt Leucha Polkarn, confirmed that Julien Bennett, 31, was stabbed on Nanai Rd about 3:30 am, following an altercation with Patong tuk-tuk driver Wisut Jampa, 40.

The stabbing occurred in front of the Royal Crown Hotel, where Bennett was staying.

Wisut stabbed the victim, then fled in his tuk-tuk, Capt Leucha confirmed. Police later arrested him near his vehicle, parked in a queue at one end of Soi Bangla.

During questioning by police, Wisut said that he had negotiated a fare of 200 baht to take Bennett back to his hotel. Upon arriving there, Bennett, who Wisut said was drunk, began arguing about the fare, saying the normal rate was 100 baht.

Bennett then took out 120 baht and threw it in his face, then began throwing punches at him, the tuk-tuk driver told police.

Unable to fight back, Wisut went to the glove compartment of the tuk-tuk and grabbed a folding knife, which he used to stab Bennett. As Bennett ran to the hotel to seek assistance, Wisut fled the scene.

Wisut now faces criminal charges for the stabbing, Capt Leucha said.