Phuket police detain Kuwaiti national after pharmacy spray attack

Police in Patong, Phuket, have detained a Kuwaiti national following an incident where he sprayed an unknown substance at a pharmacist. The attack occurred around 10:22 PM when the suspect entered the pharmacy under the guise of seeking medical advice and directions to a police station.

The pharmacist reported immediate and severe physical symptoms after being sprayed for approximately 20 seconds, including a rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, dizziness, a numb tongue, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance. He was treated at Patong Hospital, where medical staff recorded a blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg and administered intravenous fluids.

Authorities have seized two bottles from the suspect for laboratory testing to identify the substance and determine if it caused the victim's symptoms. The suspect reportedly claimed to suffer from mental health issues and was preparing to return to Kuwait. Investigators are looking into whether the individual is linked to other similar incidents involving pharmacists in the Patong area.