A Norwegian tourist narrowly avoided death in the early hours of June 19, 2025, after a crossbow bolt fired by a fellow countryman struck her mobile phone instead of her head at a residence on Thailand’s Koh Samui island, according to police.
Police in Surat Thani province arrested a 56-year-old Norwegian man on June 23, 2025, after he allegedly attempted to shoot a fellow Norwegian tourist with a crossbow while intoxicated. The attack took place inside a private residence in the Koh Samui district during the early hours of June 19.
The victim, identified only as Ms. Pia, was speaking on her iPhone 12 Mini when the suspect fired the weapon. The bolt struck the device, likely preventing a fatal injury. A second Norwegian tourist, Mr. Simon, was present during the incident and witnessed the attack while seated nearby.
Authorities report that the suspect, named as Mr. Elmer, had been drinking alone in his room before emerging in a state of extreme intoxication, shouting incoherently and behaving aggressively. Alarmed by his conduct, Pia attempted to contact local police by dialing the emergency number 191.
Elmer briefly returned to his room, but soon reappeared carrying a black crossbow equipped with a laser sight. As Simon tried to calm him down and Pia remained on the call with authorities, Elmer allegedly aimed the weapon at her and discharged it. The projectile hit the mobile phone held against her ear. Elmer fled the scene shortly afterward.
Investigators from Mueang Surat Thani Police Station compiled evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from Koh Samui Provincial Court on charges of attempted murder. The warrant was issued on June 23.
The suspect was later located onboard a passenger van at Surat Thani Bus Terminal, reportedly attempting to leave the province. He was taken into custody and transferred to Samui Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Officials involved in the investigation and arrest were not named in public reports.
