Police on Koh Samui arrested a 27-year-old Norwegian national after an alleged assault on a Thai driver and the theft of a pickup truck in the Mae Nam area, local news reports.
The incident reportedly happened outside Krok Yai restaurant. The victim, 31-year-old Nattapong Phonpho, told police the suspect blocked his vehicle, opened the driver’s door, punched him twice, and then drove off in the pickup.
Koh Samui Police Station coordinated with Bo Phut Police Station to locate the vehicle. Police said the suspect led officers on a high-speed chase around the island and ignored orders to stop.
The pursuit ended at the Bo Phut intersection, where officers blocked the road and took the suspect into custody. Police said he was aggressive and initially refused to answer questions.
Police said the suspect, identified as Kristoffer Winther, had visited Koh Pha Ngan before travelling to Koh Samui. Witnesses told police they had seen him walking along the street before the incident, and officers said this raised questions about his mental state at the time.
