In a turn of events that reads more like a gripping episode of a crime drama than real life, two New Zealand nationals have embroiled themselves in controversy amidst the picturesque landscapes of Phuket, Thailand. On a day that began like any other in the sun-soaked paradise, Oscar and Hamish Day, aged 38 and 36 respectively, found themselves on the wrong side of the law, and ultimately, face-to-face with Thailand’s stern stance on justice.
The incident, which unfolded on a seemingly calm Saturday, took a dramatic turn when Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad of Chalong Station encountered the duo during his patrol. While the streets of Maung district buzzed with the everyday hustle, little did anyone know that the area was about to become the backdrop for an action-packed showdown.
Thailand is known for its welcoming spirit and breathtaking vistas, a haven for tourists from around the globe, including those from New Zealand who can grace this beautiful land visa-free for 30 days. The Day brothers, who rode into Thailand on March 11 with the freedom to explore until April 9, soon found their adventure take a drastic twist. What started as an exhilarating ride through Phuket’s vibrant communities spiraled into chaos when they were spotted by Sgt Maj Somsak speeding and not adhering to the traffic rules.
Contrary to the expectations of a routine stop, the encounter escalated when the brothers, in a moment of defiance, chose to flee rather than face the music. The chase that ensued was not just a physical pursuit but a clash of wills, culminating in a confrontation that saw Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak wrestled to the ground by Oscar and Hamish.
The aftermath of this shocking encounter was swift and decisive. By Monday, Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn took to Facebook to announce that the Days would be indefinitely blacklisted from Thailand post their court proceedings, marking a resolute end to their escapades in the kingdom. In the eyes of the law, they faced a litany of charges ranging from robbery to obstructing police duty, and from physical assault against a police officer to driving without a license – all compounded by an accusation of attempted bribery.
As the legal machinery geared up to oppose any bail requests, citing the risk of the duo fleeing due to their lack of permanent residence in Thailand, back home in New Zealand, the revelation of the incident sent shockwaves through the Day family. With parents Laurence and Katrina Day being noted as millionaires with substantial business and property holdings, according to the New Zealand Herald, the gravity of their sons’ predicament was palpable. “It’s very, very concerning,” the father was quoted, encapsulating the family’s distress and their fervent hopes for a resolution.
In a striking reminder of the thin line between a dream vacation and a nightmarish entanglement with the law, the story of Oscar and Hamish Day serves as a cautionary tale. As Phuket’s serene landscapes return to their tranquil state, the ripples from this incident leave behind a stern warning for all – paradise can be fleeting, and justice, relentless.
Honestly, this just sounds like a couple of guys who made a dumb mistake and now their whole life might be ruined. Thailand’s reaction seems way too harsh for what happened.
While I understand it’s easy to empathize with them, it’s crucial to respect the laws of the country you’re visiting. Their actions could have lead to serious injuries.
Fair point, but don’t you think being blacklisted and facing these heavy charges is a bit much? They’re essentially being treated like hardened criminals.
People has visas cancelled in NZ for far less..
No they don’t! In NZ they’d be let off after a cultural report lol.
Bashing a cop, and taking his gun isn’t hardened enough?
Assaulting a police officer and trying to bribe your way out of it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Actions have consequences, regardless of where you are.
As somebody who had the rather unfortunate privilege of working under one of these two a few years ago, I can assure you that this is not entirely out-of-character for them.
It’s obvious that they’re spoiled little shits. Who bashes a cop when abroad ffs?! I hope they do time here.
police officer said they punched him a few times first.
why would a police officer with a gun attack and want to fight two guys much bigger than him??
that doesn’t make sense at all?
according to the policeman they attacked him to steal his phone because he took photos for him. perhaps they panicked about having their photos spread online all over the world.
I know these guys. and I agree with Mary.
I know these guys too and their parents and I agree with Mary and John Doe
I’ve met one of them and he came across as entitled and arrogant..then I read a news article on who their parents are and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes
Their life ruined? They are dam lucky to even be alive. In most countries if you tried to grab an officers gun you would likely be shot dead on the spot. I bet you if you went for a policeman’s gun in NZ there is a very high chance of that happening. If you are that dumb and that stupid, then yes, their lives might be ruined. Similiar to being stupid enough to walk in front of a bus – that can ruin your life too. There is not a lot you can do about “stupid”.
Yeah..Nah!! They acted in a criminal way. Attacking a Police officer, taking his gun, firing that gun?? It was a lot more than a “dum mistake”. What if there were Thai brothers attacking a NZ Police officer? Would you say the same? Certainly not.
They bashed a cop, and took his gun you moron!
They’d have been shot dead immediately in the US if they tried that, and maybe AU and NZ as well, but we all know it would have been ‘yes sir no sir’ to a western cop.
I’ve lived here 10 years without incident, and I promise you, this is a case of a couple of spoiled little rich shits, who clearly thought this country is for them to do what they like, and all for their tikfacegram.
We’ve all had enough of these little narcissists. I hope they spend 12 months in a Thai jail.
As a Thai citizen, I’m glad the authorities are taking a strong stand. It sends a clear message that such reckless behavior by tourists won’t be tolerated.
Absolutely agree. It’s about time tourists learn to respect the laws of the land they’re in. Too many people think they can do whatever they want just because they’re on vacation.
While I get where you’re coming from, not every tourist is like that. Most of us try to respect local traditions and laws.
This is every parent’s nightmare! I can’t imagine what their family must be going through right now. Hopefully, they can come back home and learn from their mistakes.
Understanding and sympathizing with their family’s distress is natural, but it’s essential to remember that actions have consequences. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson to others.
They’re not Kids!!! They’re grown as Men who have their own kids and should know better!!! if you ask me it’s a couple of entitled guys in Thailand alone without any restraints!!! Till now!!!
Correct.
And it’s sow.
yes, the father’s comment trying to pawn his almost 40 yr old men as “just kids” is sickening.
Yes ENTITLED is the best way to describe them, seems as though they met their match. How embarrassing for their families in NZ.
Yes they will come home and learn from their mistakes. In an estimated 5 to 10 years from now.
What happened to those days when all you got was a slap on the wrist for being a rowdy tourist? The world’s becoming a strict teacher.
Bruh, they fought with a cop and took his gym then tried to bribe him… getting banned was them being nice.
Has anyone considered that maybe they panicked? Being in a foreign country, dealing with police can be pretty intimidating.
Really 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Would you be thinking the same if a couple of rich Asians came to NZ were pulled over by a NZ Policeman and was then attacked and disarmed?? No you wouldn’t you’d be wanting justice for our assaulted officer and the book thrown at these two entitled pric%$!!!
Our traffic cops don’t carry arms in NZ as a rule.
No one has considered it because it’s a stupid thing to say. They panicked and bashed a cop? Ijjit.
If you watch the video, they didn’t actually bash the cop, rather restrained him, which fits with their claim that they were the ones under threat of attack.
police officer said they punched him a few times first.
why would a police officer with a gun attack and want to fight two guys much bigger than him??
that doesn’t make sense at all?
according to the policeman they attacked him to steal his phone because he took photos for him. perhaps they panicked about having their photos spread online all over the world.
Phuket remains a paradise despite this. Let’s not let the actions of a few tarnish the reputation of such a beautiful place. Looking forward to my trip next month!
Exactly! And let’s not forget to travel responsibly and respect the environment and local customs wherever we go.
As a New Zealander, this is frankly embarrassing. We’re known for being respectful travelers. These guys should have known better.
True, it’s definitely not a good look. But everyone deserves a second chance. Hopefully, they can resolve this and make amends.
As another New Zealander did you even think that the police officer may have threatened them with a gun and they freaked out and behaved like this to save their lives?
Exactly what happened in my opinion.
Would you be thinking the same if a couple of rich Asians came to NZ were pulled over by a NZ Policeman and was then attacked and disarmed?? No you wouldn’t you’d be wanting justice for our assaulted officer and the book thrown at these two entitled pric%$!!!
Exactly.
They’re not Kids!!! They’re grown as Men who have their own kids and should know better!!! if you ask me it’s a couple of entitled guys in Thailand alone without any restraints!!! Till now!!!
As a kiwi, I am highly embarrassed of the actions of the Day brothers. Seems like they are spoilt rich brats that feel entitled to be above the law. This is clearly not the first time they have acted out violently if they can wrestle a police officer like that. They need to be taught a hard lesson. Hoping there is peace and justice for the police officer involved and for the country of Thailand.
Google these names:
Adam Lloyd
Vanessa Arscott
Leo Del Pinto
Jirapong Thanapat
Malik Djamel
Kiettisak Thitboonkrong
…and then say with a straight face that the policeman’s story should be taken at face value.
There are plenty of cctv cameras in Thailand. I’m sure some (or all) of what led up to this must have been caught on cctv, so it should be easy for police and/or investigative reporters to get some additional footage.
Thank you for that John Doe. As a Kiwi and someone who knows more than those making unfounded judgements, there is definitely more to this than meets the eye.
Entitled rich westerners who think they can do anything, anywhere, without consequence. Nope! Lock them up!
Self-entitlement at it’s worst combined with martial arts skills. Hard to believe these two are in their thirties! Who the hell do they think they are? A disgrace to their country. I hope they receive the full force of Thai law. Wait for the tearful apologies…
yes, the father’s comment trying to pawn his almost 40 yr old men as “just kids” is sickening.
As a Kiwi, I find this embarrassing!! Clearly their egos got in the way, then you read that they come from wealth and that they have bad reputations here NZ and it all makes sense. Go figure
lock em up and throw away the key, they are an embarrassment to New Zealand and deserve everything they get