Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has disclosed that a Thai tourist involved in an assault on a Cambodian soldier at the Ta Muen Thom Temple is a former ranger soldier. The individual has been handed over to the police for legal proceedings.

According to Thai News Agency, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the Army spokesman, reported that the incident occurred on July 13, 2015. The assault took place at Ta Muen Thom Temple located in Surin Province. A report from the Suranaree Forces indicated that at approximately 10:20 a.m., a Thai tourist physically attacked a Cambodian military liaison officer at the temple. The assailant, identified as Mr. Sommai Srisukranan, punched the Cambodian officer in the back and front before escaping the scene. Thai authorities managed to locate and apprehend him later.

Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Sommai Srisukranan is a former volunteer ranger. He currently serves as the president of both the Pak Thong Chai Volunteer Ranger Club and the Samut Sakhon Province Veterans Network. Given that the incident occurred at a tourist attraction, Thai military officials have engaged in discussions with the victims to prevent any adverse effects on the relationship between the two nations’ officials. Meanwhile, police officers have been instructed to proceed with the legal process against the perpetrator.