On November 19, 2025, a British man was arrested on the Thai island of Koh Samui for allegedly attacking a French tourist in a jealousy-fueled incident involving the suspect’s Thai girlfriend.
Police responded to an assault report at a hotel in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, and found two injured victims: Mr. Mathis, a 23-year-old French national, and Ms. Kanokwan, a 21-year-old Thai woman from Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Both sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital, with Kanokwan reportedly suffering serious harm.
The alleged perpetrator, identified as Mr. Richard, a 44-year-old British national, was apprehended at the scene. During questioning, Richard admitted to attacking Mathis out of jealousy after discovering Kanokwan, his girlfriend, in the hotel room with the French man. However, Richard denied responsibility for Kanokwan’s injuries, claiming that she had harmed herself and had a history of self-harm.
Investigators have recorded statements from the suspect and are awaiting medical reports from doctors. They are also waiting for Kanokwan’s condition to improve before taking her testimony. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the incident before proceeding with formal charges.
Under Thai criminal law, penalties for assault vary depending on the severity of injuries sustained. Minor assault carries a maximum sentence of one month imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht ($310). However, if the assault causes serious bodily harm, perpetrators face six months to 10 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 baht ($310-6,170).