PHUKET: A Russian expatriate has been arrested on assault charges after he admitted punching an Australian tourist in the face and dislodging two of his teeth, according to local reports.
Evgenii Baturin, 27, a resident of Phuket for six years, would appear in court on Saturday charged with assaulting Mark Fuller, 45.
Pol Lt Col Natchanon Kerdko, an investigating officer at Karon Police Station, told The Phuket News that the incident took place around 9.30pm Thursday, as Mr Baturin was driving on Patak Road in Karon. He was trying to park outside the Spice House restaurant but became angry when he was told that he couldn't.
Police said he then drove around several more times trying to find a parking space. At the same time, the Fuller family – Mark, his wife and two children aged 9 and 10 – were walking along the road toward their hotel.
“The car driven by Mr Baturin drove past the family very close. Mr Fuller jumped out of the way before it hit them. He then complained angrily to Mr Baturin, who had his window down, that he shouldn’t drive like that,” Pol Lt Col Natchanon told the Phuket News.
He said Mr Baturin then got out of his car, walked around the side and punched Mr Fuller in the face, knocking him down. One of Mr Fuller’s children cried for help, attracting a lot of attention.
Mr Baturin drove away, but a passerby noted the licence plate number of his car and gave it to police. They later visited the Russian at his home and after he confessed to the assault, they confiscated his passport.
Mr Fuller was treated in hospital for two loose teeth and a cut on his head.
“Mr Fuller has not asked for anything. He just wants his attacker to be prosecuted,” Pol Lt Col Natchanon told the Phuket News.