A drunken Norwegian fired a crossbow at a fellow tourist in Koh Samui, but the arrow struck her iPhone 12 Mini during a 911 call, likely saving her life. Police arrested the suspect on Monday. The incident raises concerns about the mental state of the Norwegian attacker.
Police in southern Surat Thani caught a middle-aged Norwegian man Monday after he went on the run days earlier. In a violent rage, Mr. Elmer tried to kill a fellow Norwegian tourist with a crossbow at his home.
Police in southern Surat Thani caught a middle-aged Norwegian man Monday after he went on the run days earlier. In a violent rage, Mr. Elmer tried to kill a fellow Norwegian tourist with a crossbow at his home.
Surat Thani police arrested a 56-year-old Norwegian man at Surat Thani Bus Terminal on June 23, 2025. He is suspected of firing a crossbow at a fellow Norwegian tourist. The dramatic incident happened in Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, on June 19 at around 1:30 a.m.
The victim, Ms. Pia, narrowly escaped serious injury. Remarkably, her iPhone 12 Mini absorbed the arrow’s impact, likely saving her life. The phone was held to her left ear during a call to the police. Meanwhile, another Norwegian tourist, Mr. Simon, was a witness. He was lying on a sofa watching a movie when the attack happened.
The suspect’s drunken aggression led to a terrifying crossbow attack narrowly averted by quick action
Initially, the suspect, Mr. Elmer, was drinking alcohol in his bedroom. After becoming heavily intoxicated, he came out shouting incoherently. His behaviour became increasingly aggressive, which frightened Pia. Therefore, she immediately picked up her phone and dialled 191, the emergency number in Thailand.
At first, Elmer returned briefly to his room. However, he soon reemerged carrying a black crossbow with a laser sight attached. Simon tried to calm Elmer down. Nevertheless, Elmer aimed the crossbow at Pia’s head and fired. The arrow struck the iPhone 12 Mini instead, damaging the device but sparing Pia’s life.
Following the shot, Elmer fled the scene. Police launched a search and finally arrested him at the Surat Thani Bus Terminal four days later. He remains in custody, facing charges related to the attack.
The iPhone 12 Mini’s durability likely saved the victim and raised safety concerns among tourists in Koh Samui
The iPhone 12 Mini, part of Apple’s 2020 iPhone 12 lineup, showed surprising durability. Its compact design and tough materials helped block the crossbow bolt. Without the phone’s protection, Pia could have suffered severe injuries or worse.
This frightening event highlights growing concerns about the mental health of some tourists and substance abuse among foreigners. Authorities have promised to increase patrols and improve security. They also urge tourists to stay alert and report dangerous behavior by friends or associates immediately.
Furthermore, the Norwegian Embassy in Thailand has been informed. It is working with local officials to support those affected.
Victim recovering after attack praises police and technology while community remains alert and cautious
Meanwhile, Pia is recovering physically and mentally from the traumatic event. She has expressed gratitude toward the quick police response and the unexpected “heroism” of her iPhone.
Local residents and visitors remain concerned by the incident. However, police emphasize that such violent acts are not common place in the area. Still, they remind everyone to take personal safety seriously.
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Again, this attack serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence fueled by alcohol or drugs. Yet, this is also a story of luck and good fortune—particularly how an iPhone played an unexpected role in protecting a life. As the investigation proceeds, local police continue to emphasize they are on the front lines to keep Koh Samui safe for everyone.
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