Phuket Boxing Coach Defends Actions After Road Rage Clash With Foreigner

A Phuket boxing trainer has spoken publicly after a confrontation with a foreign motorcyclist escalated into a violent incident that gained widespread attention online.

The altercation, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed a shirtless foreign man holding a metal bar while a Thai man confronted him with a sword. During the clash, the foreigner suffered an arm injury before leaving the scene.

The Thai participant was later identified as 50-year-old Waikoon, known to his students as Teacher Oh. In addition to working as a boxing coach, he also teaches the traditional Thai martial art of krabi-krabong.

Speaking with local media, Waikoon explained that the dispute began on Soi Ta Iad in Chalong while he was riding his motorcycle. According to him, two foreign riders were traveling side by side at a slow speed while talking, creating an obstruction for other traffic. He said he warned them about road safety, which led to a verbal argument before he continued on his way and returned home.

Waikoon stated that he believed the matter was over. However, he claimed that one of the foreign men later arrived at his residence carrying a metal bar.

Concerned for the safety of his family, the trainer said he attempted to move the confrontation away from his home. The events that followed were recorded on video and later circulated online.

The coach told reporters that he had already informed police about the incident and was prepared to cooperate with any legal proceedings related to the injury sustained by the foreign national. He expressed regret that someone had been hurt but maintained that his actions were a response to the circumstances he faced.

Referring to a well-known line from Thailand’s national anthem, Waikoon remarked that Thai people value peace but are not afraid to defend themselves when confronted.

Later reports indicated that the injured foreigner, believed to be British, had returned to his home country for medical treatment. A friend of the man told local media that healthcare expenses in Thailand were significant and claimed the trainer’s actions exceeded the limits of self-defense.

According to the friend, legal action is being pursued, and the matter may also be reported to British authorities. Police have not yet announced the outcome of the investigation, and the case remains under review.