Visas have been revoked for two New Zealand brothers, who were arrested in Thailand on the weekend and the pair will be blacklisted from Thailand, according to local media.
Pol Col Ekarat Plaiduang, chief of the Chalong police station, together with Phuket governor, Sophon Suwannarat, spoke at a press conference yesterday, Stuff reported.
Suwannarat condemned the brothers' behaviour as "intolerable".
On Saturday (local time), two New Zealanders, Hamish Day, 36, and Oscar Day, 38, allegedly attacked a police officer, forcing him to the ground and trying to snatch his pistol, which went off without injuring anyone, the Bangkok Post reported.
"The behaviour was improper and illegal," Suwannarat said yesterday, and added that "serious action" would be taken to "protect the tourism atmosphere of Phuket".
"It sets a very bad example in a tourist province like Phuket ... Visitors and Thai people in Phuket must be safe."
He said the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok would be informed that the Day brothers had seriously violated Thai law.
During the press conference, Bangkok Post reported a full explanation of the incident was provided by the police chief.
He said the brothers were driving rented motorcycles dangerously fast past the Chalong police station on Chaofa in Muang District at 4.10pm on Saturday.
An on-duty officer, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad, requested they stop but was reportedly ignored.
The pair were pursued and backup requested, before the Day brothers stopped outside an eatery.
They were informed they had broken local traffic laws and were asked to show their licences.
A bribe was allegedly offered and rejected, before the brothers walked back to the rented motorbikes, seemingly looking to escape.
Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak took photos with his phone.
At this point, according to Thai police, the Kiwi brothers attacked the officer, wrestled him to the ground and took his gun.
The weapon was fired, but nobody was shot.
The police officer had slightly injured fingers and bruises, and received official compensation.
According to the Thai Enquirer, Immigration Division 6 was instructed today to revoke the brothers' visas and ban them from entering Thailand.
They are facing five charges of robbery, obstructing an on-duty officer, assaulting an on-duty officer, bribery and driving without a license.
The vehicle rental business would be fined 2000 baht ($85) for renting the bikes without licences.
The men's parents Laurence and Katrina Day of Hamilton have issued a statement.
"The Day family is understandably distraught over the situation with their sons in Thailand," they said.
The forbidden islands where only very few have ever been allowed to visit
"We know very little more than has been reported in the press. We request privacy and your prayers while we try to deal with the situation."
Laurence Day told NZME the brothers both had families in New Zealand, including children, and that Hamish had sent a text message to his wife, but there had been no further communication.
"They were just on holiday. It's very difficult. At the moment they're okay. It's a very trying time."
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