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Three London youths arrested over 'road rage clash with local in Thailand'

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Three London youths were arrested over an alleged road rage clash with a motorist in Thailand.

The sling-bag-wearing tourists with 'Roadman' accents peculiar to the British capital are said to have been in a rented pickup truck when they collided with a motorcycle rider in Phuket.

One of the group, Augustin Muca, 26, was allegedly driving the vehicle. Police claim he then emerged from the driver's side and pulled out a knife to threaten the terrified local.

CCTV shows the trio then left the scene following the clash on March 8.

But Augustin along with pals Raheem Daniel Williams, 25, and Tyrone Sullivan, 25, were arrested near their hotel on March 13.

They are seen in the video at the local station remonstrating with Thai police officers in the Patong district of the bustling destination.

They told officers they rented the vehicle 'from a guy on Instagram'.

The lad in a green t-shirt says: 'My cousin got the car, bruv.'

Augustin allegedly admitted to driving the truck and threatening the Thai man. He now faces being jailed for up to a month after the case was sent to court.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai said: 'A 26-year-old Briton has been charged with reckless driving causing injury or property damage, and carrying a weapon in public.

'He is set to appear in court next Tuesday, where he could face a significant fine or further legal action.

'Witnesses from the scene said that the aggressors were the foreign men. The suspect drove a pickup truck and hit another car. Then he fled. But when the motorcycle rider went to confront him, he threatened him with a knife.'

Police said that the local motorcycle rider tried to confront the trio over the collision, but Augustin first emerged from the pickup wielding a knife. The holidaymaker allegedly threatened him with the weapon before speeding away.

Under Thai law, reckless driving leading to injury or property damage carries a penalty of up to one month in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 Baht (230 GBP), or both. While carrying a weapon in public is punishable with a fine of up to 100 Baht.

The once-pristine island of Phuket has been marred by over-tourism as the Thai government implements a visa-free scheme to boost revenue following the barren pandemic years.

The island saw 800,000 foreign visitors last year alone.

However, angry locals claim the push for tourist dollars has attracted crowds of 'low-quality' visitors from Russia, India and Australia. There are also fears that the island has become an enclave of criminal activity, with police unable to control street fights and more organised ruffians setting up rackets among local businesses.

Phuket officials said they are implementing tighter immigration controls and screening processes amid a wave of drug-related crimes and illegal activities on the island.

(1 GBP = 43.60 THB)

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