Real estate tycoons’ sons arrested in Thailand after alleged police brawl
New Zealand millionaire business and property tycoons Laurence and Katrina Day have been left distraught after their two sons were arrested after a brawl with a traffic officer in Thailand.
Hamish and Oscar Day, 36 and 38, were holidaying in the popular tourist island of Phuket, when they were pulled over by an officer who claimed the pair were speeding and failed to stay in the left lane.
The brothers, who were one week into their trip, were riding motorbikes in the town of Chalong when they sped up before stopping, allegedly shouting at the police officer who recorded their actions on his mobile phone, according to the Bangkok Post.
Footage shows Oscar allegedly rumbling with the officer in question — senior sergeant Maj Somsak Noo-iad — after an attempt to block the recording.
The officer’s gun was allegedly discharged during the incident on Saturday, but the bullet did not hit anyone, The Bangkok Post reported.
Hamish could be seen standing at the roadside watching his brother and the officer wrestle.
A woman in the background can be heard shouting “You stop, you stop. He have gun. You stop.”
A man with a Kiwi accent replied: “The policeman was trying to attack us.”
Other officers from Chalong station rushed to the scene and arrested both the brothers.
They were later charged with robbery, obstruction of police duty, physical attack against a policeman, driving without a licence and bribery.
According to the publication, the pair allegedly bribed officer Somsak following their arrests, but it was turned down.
The brothers, who have enlisted a lawyer, have been detained at the police station where they will face Phuket Provincial Court on Monday, where a request to extend their detention would be lodged.
Mr Somsak suffered injuries to his fingers and arms but was later dishcharged from hospital, the Bangkok Post reported.
Laurence and Katrina Day have since opened up about their distress over the alleged incident, describing it as “very, very concerning”.
“The family is distraught. We’re praying for a good outcome,” Mr Day told the NZ Herald.
“Who would have ever expected this? Just a couple of kids on a tourist trip.
Mr Day added that both his sons have families including children of their own, with what’s unfolded having left their respective families deeply concerned for their wellbeing.
“They were just on holiday. It’s very difficult. At the moment they’re okay. It’s a very trying time.”
Mr Day told the NZ Herald he was considering flying to Thailand himself to support his sons and see if he could assist the lawyer.
