PATTAYA – A Thai man who angrily kicked Mr. Park, a 38-year-old Korean tourist, causing 4 of his teeth to fall out, has surrendered himself on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night when Mr. Bas, the Thai man, brought a python and a Siberian owl to show to international tourists in front of the Runway Market on Pattaya Second Road, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
However, there was a sign stating that photography was prohibited. It turned out that Mr. Park, who was visiting Thailand for the first time, quickly walked over to watch and immediately raised his mobile phone to take a picture.
When Mr. Bas warned him that photography was not allowed, the two got into an argument. Mr. Park picked up a 100 baht bill and threw it at Mr. Bas, angering him. Mr. Bas threw the money on the ground. As the Korean man bent down to pick up the money, Mr. Bas kicked him in the face twice, causing him to fall on his back, bleeding from his mouth, and his front teeth falling out.
Later, at 1:30 a.m. on May 30, Mr. Park, his brother, and his girlfriend filed a complaint with the police at Pattaya City Police Station. He had 2 broken teeth, 2 loose teeth about to fall out, and 1 chipped tooth.
Ms. Mae, Mr. Park’s girlfriend, said they didn’t see the no-photography sign because she wasn’t wearing her contact lenses. They took the picture to zoom in on the owl, not intentionally taking photos. The Korean man was shocked and didn’t understand why the shop owner raised his voice and spoke badly to him. They never expected the situation to escalate to this extent, but everyone at the scene tried their best to stop the fight.
Later, at 12:05 p.m., Mr. Bas turned himself in at the police station. Pol. Lt. Col. Nawin Theeranant, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, disclosed to reporters that the police initially charged him with assault and will wait for the doctor’s diagnosis before adding more charges.
Pol. Lt. Col. Nawin lectured Mr. Bas to have better control over his emotions, as he is a business owner and must consider the image of Thailand and Pattaya as a tourist city.
Ms. May said they had initially discussed with Mr. Bas about compensating for the treatment of the 4 lost teeth and 1 chipped tooth, amounting to 400,000 baht.
“Dental treatment in South Korea is very expensive. They can get treatment in Thailand, but it will take a long time. Comparatively, treatment in Thailand might be more expensive than in Korea because they would have to fly back and forth constantly,” said Ms. Mae.
Mr. Bas, the shop owner, said he had put up signs in English all over the shop informing tourists, and he didn’t understand why they wouldn’t read them. He admitted that he was angry and did the wrong thing. He apologized to the tourists with a wai and will fully compensate the injured tourist. As for the charges or offenses, he will let the legal process take its course.
Mr. Park said he understands that there are good and bad people everywhere in the world. He sees the intention and remorse of the pet owner who apologized and raised his hands in a wai. Even though this incident happened, he will still come back to visit Thailand because he likes it and thinks that Thailand is a beautiful country.
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