Man charged over Thailand attack on brother with bladed knuckle dusters in WA legal first

A 44-year-old man accused of attacking his older brother with bladed knuckle dusters has become the first person charged in WA for causing harm to an Australian overseas.

A man accused of attacking his brother with bladed knuckle dusters, resulting in emergency surgery to remove damaged organs, has become the first person charged in WA for causing harm to an Australian overseas.

Australian Federal Police say the 44-year-old man was living in Thailand when he allegedly attacked his 46-year-old brother, who was visiting him in February last year.

In a statement, the AFP said the brothers had been painting a bar that the accused man was planning to open in Pattaya when they allegedly argued about payment for the work and the accused threw a roller into a tray, splashing the paint.

When they returned home, the older brother locked himself into a bedroom to sleep.

A short time later, the accused allegedly barged in using bladed knuckle dusters, then punched his brother in the lower back, chest and torso.

Police alleged one uppercut punch with the weapon caused severe stomach wounds but the complainant managed to fight back and punched the accused in the head.

The AFP investigated the incident after the complainant reported it in October last year and officers worked with the Royal Thai Police.

The man was arrested on Wednesday and was refused bail ahead of his appearance in Perth Magistrates Court later on Thursday.

He faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted of intentionally causing serious harm to an Australian citizen or resident outside Australia.