Phuket Hotel Chef Charged After Allegedly Assaulting University Intern

A university student has filed a police complaint after allegedly being assaulted by a chef while completing an internship at a hotel in Phuket. The incident has drawn widespread attention after CCTV footage was shared with local media and circulated across Thai social media platforms.

The student, identified only as Bee, 20, reported the incident to Patong Police Station. She said she is enrolled at a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat and began her internship at the Phuket hotel on July 1 together with two fellow students. According to Bee, the chef accused in the case was supervising her training.

During the internship, Bee said she was responsible for preparing ingredients, including meat, vegetables and fruit, as well as carrying out other duties assigned by the chef.

She alleged that on July 18, she had been instructed to complete several kitchen tasks before serving rice. While she was finishing another assignment, the chef reportedly became angry over the delay.

According to Bee, the chef struck her arm with a spatula before slapping her twice across the face, leaving her feeling dizzy. The incident was reportedly witnessed by several hotel employees and captured by the venue’s CCTV system.

Bee also claimed the alleged abuse had begun before the latest incident. She said the chef had previously criticized her over undercooked rice and forced her to eat it, despite attempts by co-workers to intervene.

Following the incident, Bee said her university immediately ended its internship arrangement with the hotel. She and her two classmates subsequently withdrew from the placement.

According to Channel 8, police have already charged the chef in connection with the alleged physical assault. Investigators are also examining whether additional charges should be filed over the allegation that the student was forced to eat undercooked rice.

The chef's identity has not been released, and the hotel has not publicly commented on the allegations.