PATTAYA – The police officers at Pattaya City Police Station disclosed an update on the case. According to the incident, a group of guards from a beer bar on Pattaya Soi 6 assaulted two foreign tourists in the late afternoon of May 24.
A video clip of the incident was widely shared on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
Pol. Lt. Col. Nawin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, revealed that on May 29, only one complainant came to file a complaint and give a statement. The complainant was Mr. Bryce, 42 years old, a British national. The other British person had already gone to Bangkok due to concerns about safety in Pattaya.
Mr. Bryce, who had bruises on his face and head and abrasions on his body, informed the police that the incident occurred on his birthday. Two of his friends had gone to celebrate at the bar since noon. After finishing their drinks, a problem arose regarding the bill for the drinks with the bar, which escalated into a physical altercation and turned violent.
The investigating officer disclosed that the three suspects had been charged with working as security guards without permission from the registrar, which carries a penalty of up to three months in prison, a fine not exceeding 5,000 baht, or both. Additional charges will be filed for the physical assault of others to proceed with legal action.
The authorities will further investigate whether the group of guards who caused the incident was self-established without any training from a company or agency and not affiliated with any establishment, which does not align with government policies. If any additional offenses are found, more charges will be filed.
In the video clip, the group of guards punched and jump-kick two foreign men relentlessly until one of them fell unconscious and lay still, all in front of Thai and foreign tourists. A group of beer bar service women intervened and the situation became less tense.
Later, at 23:36 p.m. on May 26, Pattaya Police Investigation officers and Pattaya Tourist Police Investigation officers arrested the three guards: Mr. Ball, 27 years old, Mr. Tom, 36 years old, and Mr. Ice, 24 years old. They were brought in for questioning at Pattaya Police Station.
They admitted that their actions were excessive and were done out of anger and lack of judgment. They apologized to Thai society for their actions.
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Related article: Pattaya Guards Face Inquiry After Violent Clash with Foreign Tourists
