PHUKET — Three German tourists were injured early Friday morning after being attacked by a group of Thai nationals in Patong, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt for the suspects.
Police at Patong station were notified of the incident at 03:00 on 3 April 2026. The attack took place on Thaveewong Road, in Soi Bangla, Patong subdistrict, Kathu district. Officers arriving at the scene found a large crowd of residents and tourists gathered around the injured foreigners.
The victims were later identified as Mr. Pascal Werner, 20, Mr. Ben Vollmer, 19, and Mr. Jann-Arne Maximilian Buchlaub, 19, all German nationals. First responders from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation provided initial treatment before taking them to Patong Hospital for further care.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the attackers were a group of Thai nationals who fled the scene immediately after the incident. Patong police, together with their investigative team, are collecting evidence at the scene and reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Authorities are also interviewing witnesses and individuals connected to the case to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident has caused concern among tourists and raised questions about Phuket’s safety and reputation as a major tourist destination.
