PHUKET — May 13, 2025 — A brutal early-morning assault outside a nightclub in Phuket’s Cherngtalay area has left a French tourist seriously injured and police on the hunt for suspects, including one believed to still be in Thailand.
The incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m. on May 11 outside an entertainment venue in the Thalang district. The victim, identified as Mr. Nubel, was reportedly attacked by a group of foreign men after a fistfight broke out inside the nightclub and escalated outside. Mr. Nubel was stabbed three times — once in the back and twice in the left side — before emergency responders from the Cherngtalay Subdistrict Administration Organization arrived to administer first aid and transport him to Thalang Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment.
Witnesses told police that approximately four English-speaking foreign men were involved in the attack. One of the assailants drew a knife during the altercation and stabbed the victim before the group fled the scene in a grey Mazda 2 sedan.
In the course of the investigation, police recovered a black iPhone believed to have been dropped by one of the attackers. A forensic analysis of the device revealed it belonged to a British national, Mr. Emilio. Authorities confirmed his identity through witness accounts and CCTV footage. Immigration records show that Mr. Emilio left Thailand later that same day, at approximately 6:49 p.m.
Cherngtalay Police are now focusing efforts on locating a second suspect of Middle Eastern descent, who is believed to still be in the country. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering additional witness testimonies to track his movements.
“This was a violent and targeted attack,” said a spokesperson from the Cherngtalay Police Station. “We are working closely with immigration and international law enforcement partners to locate all those involved.”
The incident, which only came to public attention two days later, has raised fresh concerns about tourist safety and nightlife violence in Phuket — a popular destination that welcomes millions of international visitors each year.
Police have urged anyone with information about the suspects or the grey Mazda 2 used in the escape to contact Cherngtalay Police Station immediately as the investigation continues.
