Pictured: Former US Marine Randall Owen Johnson charged with stabbing Australian to death in Thailand

EXCLUSIVE

The American citizen charged in the stabbing death of an Australian man at a popular tourist spot in Thailand is a former Marine Corps corporal turned teacher.

Randall Owen Johnson was arrested after Liam Michael Ross was found with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg and arm on Ao Nang Beach in Krabi in the early morning of July 22.

Mr Ross, from Perth, was taken to Wattana Hospital and then to Krabi Hospital, but the 35-year-old man died from his injuries.

Ao Nang police charged Johnson, originally from Houston, Texas, with causing bodily harm to another person resulting in death.

The 43-year-old divorced father lived in Krabi on the west coast of Thailand, where he was a self-employed homeschool teacher.

Johnson served four years in the Marine Corps as a supply and logistics support specialist, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and then at Camp Schwab, Okinawa.

After leaving the Marines, he worked as a telecommunications tower technician in the US and as an English teacher in Bangkok.

Witnesses reported that Johnson and Mr Ross, who did not know each other, were drinking in a restaurant near Ao Nang beach and had an argument.

Randall Owen Johnson, the American citizen charged in the stabbing death of an Australian man at a tourist attraction in Thailand, is a retired Marine Corps corporal turned teacher. He is pictured

Johnson (above) was arrested after Liam Michael Ross was found on Ao Nang Beach in Krabi in the early hours of July 22 with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg and arm.

Johnson (pictured) pointed to the knife believed to have been used in the attack after his arrest

They reportedly met again as the Australian man walked back to his hotel, leading to a confrontation.

Initially, the two exchanged words, but a physical fight soon broke out, police said.

Johnson is said to have pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Mr Ross multiple times.

Photos of the crime scene show it happened next to the shell sculpture at the southern end of the beach road, near the entrance to the Holiday Inn resort.

Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination, known for its nightlife and beaches.

Mr Ross’s heartbroken family released a brief statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Friday morning.

Liam Ross’ family mourns the loss of their ‘beautiful, talented’ brother and son

Johnson was arrested near the scene of the stabbing (above) and charged with bodily harm to another person resulting in death

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful, talented and beloved Liam,” they said.

‘The world is a poorer place because of his passing. Thanks to family, friends and colleagues for their support.

“We have requested that all family members be allowed to mourn Liam’s passing in private.”

Mr Ross’s father, sisters and uncle had planned to travel to Bangkok on Saturday for a Buddhist cremation and then return to Western Australia with his ashes and belongings.

A memorial service will be held in Perth when the family is ready.

Mr Ross’ sister previously posted on social media about her brother’s death.

“As you may know, we lost Liam in a tragic incident in Thailand and your hearts are broken,” she wrote last week.

“We appreciate your continued condolences as we grieve and process this.”

According to a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Ross’s family was receiving consular assistance.

“We express our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

‘Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to comment further.’