American, 42, 'stabs Australian tourist, 34, to death' on popular beachfront in Thailand

An American tourist was arrested for allegedly stabbing an Australian man to death at a popular beach in Thailand.

Randall Owen Johnson, 42, from Texas, was returning home after drinking at a bar when he reportedly began arguing with Liam Michael Ross, 34, in front of Ao Nang Beach in Krabi in the early hours of Monday morning, July 22.

The pair fought in front of shocked holidaymakers in the bustling destination, best known for its tropical beaches that attract hundreds of thousands of backpackers every year.

Johnson then allegedly pulled out a folding knife from his pocket and plunged the blade into the Aussie's gut, spilling his blood all over the pavement.

Police and paramedics arrived at the scene and Liam, from Sydney, was taken to hospital but later pronounced dead.

Police Lieutenant Wichote Meepop, Deputy Chief of Investigation at the Ao Nang Police Station, said police arrived at the scene near the Sea Shell Sculpture after receiving a report at 2 am local time.

He said: 'The perpetrator did not flee and was detained at the scene by police patrol. He was identified as Mr Randall Owen Johnson, 42 years old, and an American national.

'The police captured him with a folding knife. He was found to be intoxicated. The police therefore took him to Ao Nang Police Station. We are coordinating with a lawyer and interpreter to come so we can investigate in detail.'

Footage of the scene shows the bloodstained pavement where Liam was reported to have collapsed.

Officers said he was stabbed in the abdomen, leg, and arm, and was rushed to the Krabi Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police Lieutenant Wichote added: 'As for the initial motive, it is believed that the two did not know each other, but may have been annoyed with each other at the restaurant where they had been drinking, which led to the incident.'