Swedish man mobbed on Soi Buakhao after fight with Thai woman
A violent clash on Soi Buakhao saw a Swedish man beaten following a dispute with a Thai woman, raising concerns among locals about Pattaya’s tourism image and safety. As police investigate both sides, calls are growing to blacklist violent offenders to protect popular tourist areas.
PATTAYA, Thailand – A violent altercation occurred on Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya, between a foreign man and a Thai woman at 3:50 a.m. on June 29. A video circulating shows the foreigner pushing the woman to the ground, which escalated into a group of Thai locals and nightclub security guards assaulting the foreigner until he collapsed on the street.
Mr. Pong (alias), 37, who witnessed the incident, said the foreign man appeared intoxicated and argued violently with the Thai woman. He also knocked over a local’s motorbike and pushed the face of a nearby security guard before headbutting the guard, causing him to fall. This provoked the security guards’ friends to retaliate, leading to the mob assault seen in the footage. Mr. Pong admitted the violence was inappropriate but urged people to see the full context of the incident.
Pattaya Police confirmed that complaints were filed by both parties. The foreigner is a 44-year-old Swedish national. The security guards and involved Thai individuals underwent medical examinations for injury certificates. Both sides will be summoned for mediation and legal proceedings.
Local residents and witnesses expressed concern that the video doesn’t fully represent what happened and worry that such violent incidents damage Pattaya’s tourism reputation. Some suggest photographing and blacklisting violent offenders to prevent them from working in the area, aiming to foster more responsible behavior and reduce violence in this tourist hotspot.