Pattaya & Thailand News Update
News stories featured on this page are mostly shortened versions of articles gathered from various online news resources. Reference sources have been made available at the bottom of each article to enable further web browsing. This page will be updated daily or when appropriate. News Archive Thailand News Links Visa News
03/ Feb/ 2012
Two Irishmen Arrested over Stabbing Incident in Pattaya Bar Brawl
Two Irish nationals were arrested by Pattaya police in the early hours of Friday, accused of being involved in a fight at a beer bar which left two Thai men with serious stab wounds and two other foreign patrons with minor facial injuries.
Police were called to the New Plaza bar complex on Pattaya 2nd Road where staff members of two beer bars, the Pussy Bar and Boom Boom Bar, had reported a "fight between two groups of foreigners, which started after two of them demanded a refund of bar fines paid for two bar girls earlier in the night." Two Thai men, one working as a security guard at the complex and a local motorbike taxi driver, stepped in to attempt to stop the fight but were allegedly stabbed by one of the foreign fighters. The two victims, 41 and 23 years old, were reportedly stabbed in the neck, chest and stomach.
The two foreigners thought to have started the fight were soon located and arrested at their house on Soi 17 in South Pattaya. At Pattaya Police Station, Mr. Darren Delaney, 39, and Mr. Thomas Plunkett, also 39, both originating from Dublin, Ireland, but "with strong Liverpudlian accents," reportedly admitted to the charges. Mr. Plunkett, however, alleged he had stabbed the two Thai men "in self-defense" only.
According to the owner of Boom Boom Bar, Mr. Delaney had paid for sexual services of two bar girls. However, the girls "returned to the bar a short time later claiming they feared for their safety once they arrived at Delaney's house, seeing how intoxicated he and his friend were."
Delaney then followed the girl back to the bar and angrily demanded his money back. Although the bar owner quickly complied to the request, it still did not calm Delaney down, who proceeded to attack two bar patrons and a handful of motorcycle taxi drivers before fleeing the scene.
Later that night, Delaney, accompanied by his friend, Mr. Plunkett, came back and again began to attack the motorcycle taxi drivers and security guards in front of the bar, which is when Plunkett reportedly stabbed the two victims. The two Irishmen then fled the scene once again on a motorcycle. Pattaya One PDN
03/ Feb/ 2012
Thai Couple Posing as Blind Beggars Earn over 100K Baht/Month
A Thai couple, arrested for causing a public disturbance in a motel room in Laem Chabang near Pattaya, have admitted to posing as blind beggars begging for money from patrons of restaurants and claimed to be making more than 100,000 Baht a month.
Laem Chabang Police were notified of a domestic disturbance in the motel room on Sukhumvit Road after staff had reported that a couple was fighting loudly in the room. The police arrived at the scene to break up the fight between the husband, 43-year-old Hon Sompetch and his wife, 48-year-old Tem Cholrum.
During the interrogation, police were able to determine that Hon and Tem pose as blind beggars who ask for money from patrons dining at restaurants in the Laem Chabang area. Hon, who confessed that he can see normally, would "pose as a blind man while Tem poses as his helper. Hon would sing, using his portable sound system, while Tem guides him along the road as he pretends to be blind."
Investigators found several bags full of coins in the couple's motel room. Hon told the police that he started to pretend he was blind when he found out how much money a blind beggar could make in a day. He and Tem made around 3,000-4,000 Baht a day from begging alone, he said, and could make more than 120,000 Baht in a month.
Hon explained that the fight broke out when he and Tem argued about how the money should be split. Tem wasn't happy with his gambling habit. Hon admitted to blowing away his earning at bars and gambling dens.
Police have imposed a fine on the couple on charges of public disturbance. However, they are unable to prosecute Hon and Tem for their deception as no victims have officially come forward to file a complaint against the couple. TAN
03/ Feb/ 2012
Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Pay 684 Million Baht in Protection Fees Each Month
Motorbike taxi drivers nationwide might pay up to 684 million Baht each month in protection fees to so-called "mafia figures," an enquiry initiated by the son of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found yesterday.
Mr. Wan, the newly appointed adviser to the transport minister, led the inspection of a number of motorcycle taxi ranks in Bangkok. At the first queue inspected, the drivers said they paid 45,000 Baht each month to "protectors".
Wan and Mr. Chalerm Changthongmadan, head of the Association of Motorcycle Taxi Drivers (AMTD), vaguely identified who the protectors were. "This [particular] queue is located in areas under the influence of a retired Army general, and military officers come to collect the fee," he added. They did not mention the role of local police or traffic police officers, however, who were supposed to tackle the problem.
The extortion gangs - often backed by "influential people or high-ranking officials" - not only demand protection payments, Mr. Chalerm alleged, but also "collect monthly rents, force their own drivers into the queues, and establish unregistered queues right next to legitimate ones." He added: "About 90% of all motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok are being intimidated and forced into paying protection money. When a queue leader refuses, they will just take him out."
Quoting the AMTD's head and other motorcycle taxi drivers, Wan said "lawfully registered riders, who totalled around 190,000 nationwide, had to pay 120 Baht each day to protectors, in addition to monthly fees." He projected that "this could amount to 684 million Baht each month."
According to the enquiry, in 2003 there were 4,453 motorcycle taxi stands registered with district offices, while there were around 1,000 non-registered queues operating illegally.
To start tackling the problem, Wan said he would seek to register the 1,000 unregistered taxi ranks, which would see the motorcycles' "licence-plate colour changed to yellow." He also called on motorbike taxi drivers to file complaints with the police or petition him directly if they were attacked by the protectors after refusing to pay the fees. The Nation BP
02/ Feb/ 2012
Two Young Swedish Couples Killed in Horror Crash near Phuket
Two young Swedish couples and their Thai taxi driver were killed instantly Wednesday morning when their rented car was hit head-on by a six-wheel refrigerator truck in Phang Nga province in southern Thailand.
The dead were identified by their ID cards as: Elin Marita Hedbris, 21; Frida Madeleine Falk, 22; Anders Tobias Larsson, 22; Johan Olof Nikolas Svensson, 22; and Wichit Phromluang, 26, from Udon Thani.
According to Swedish media reports, the two couples were from the town of Varberg and were on a three-week holiday. They had been staying in Patong on the tourist island of Phuket and were reportedly on their way to the popular diving destination of Koh Tao, part of Chumphon Province, when the crash occurred.
According to reports, all five were killed instantly when the Honda compact car they were riding in was hit head on by a six-wheel refrigerator truck owned by a fish transport firm. Police are now hunting the driver, who fled the scene. Phuket Gazette
31/ Jan/ 2012
New Crackdown on 'Unlicensed' Pattaya Bars, Early Closing Time Enforced
Pattaya One News report that "following direct orders from the Chonburi Police Commander over 30 late-night venues" all around Pattaya were "checked by police and district officials in the early hours of Tuesday, and many irregularities were found."
The report continues: "Officers went to bars in many areas, including North Pattaya, Walking Street in South Pattaya, and Jomtien. They checked staff and patrons but were mainly looking for venues which were either unlicensed or operating outside of their license conditions."
A total of 15 venues were reportedly "found to be unlicensed" and the managers and owners were detained and taken to Pattaya Police Station. A report will now go to the District Licensing Unit which may impose permanent or temporary closure orders on venues found to be operating illegally."
Obviously this is just another chapter in the recent crackdown on bars especially in the Jomtien area, which started just over two weeks ago and targeted beer bars that were found to be still operating after the "official" 1 a.m. closing hour which is obviously being interpreted as "operating outside of their license conditions." Roughly between 10 and 20 bars, mostly on Thappraya Road, Soi 7, Soi Whitehouse, and in the new Rompho bar complex, were closed for 30 days by authorities, while others were just warned to comply with the police order to close at 1 a.m. For the time being this unfortunately means that most bars around Jomtien, and likely all over the Pattaya area, will close - or at least switch off the music and non-essential lighting - a bit earlier than usual.
Interestingly the headline chosen by Pattaya One News states: "Major crackdown on unlicensed bars around Pattaya begins." So let's assume that more police action may be expected for the coming weeks. Rumours, however, have it that once authorities have proved yet again their readiness to enforce the letter of the law (and perhaps collected a few "donations" from affected businesses) the situation will return to "normal" again? Pattaya One News
30/ Jan/ 2012
Don Mueang Airport to Reopen for Commercial Flights on March 6
Thailand's second biggest airport, Don Mueang, will again reopen for commercial flights on March 6, Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Anirut Thanomkulbut said on Monday.
The airport was closed late last October when floodwaters encroached into its buildings and runways, and services of some budget airlines moved to Suvarnabhumi International airport.
Nok Air, a local low-cost airline, has now confirmed the resumption of its full operations at Don Mueang airport from March on, while Orient Thai, another low-cost airline, has yet to make a decision whether to return. However, the AoT president added, only the eastern runway would be reopened for services in March. Xinhua
28/ Jan/ 2012
Respect Thai Culture by Not Sunbathing Nude!
Richard Barrow of the popular Thai Travel News blog has recently spotted an interesting sign on an unnamed "popular beach" in Thailand which reads: "We kindly request that you respect Thai culture by not sunbathing nude." In fact, it is against Thai law.
Barrow adds: "Thai people are taught from an early age to be modest. Despite Bangkok’s international reputation, it is not common to see Thai people in skimpy clothing. Certainly not respectable people. If a Thai women is spotted in a tight fitting outfit in the middle of the day, you might hear other Thai people comment disdainfully that she is most likely a prostitute. Schools and government offices won’t let you enter if you are not dressed respectfully. That goes for the Immigration office in Pattaya."
"Around town, despite the hot weather, most Thai people are covered up. This is partly because they don’t want to get a sun-tan, but also because of modesty. In fact, it is against the law for men to appear in public places without a shirt ... The same goes for public beaches. Most Thai people will swim in their clothes and even when they are sitting in the shade under beach umbrellas, they will cover up. To be respectful to Thai culture, you shouldn’t sunbathe or swim in the nude." Needless to add that sex on the beach is equally against the law ... Thai Travel News
23/ Jan/ 2012
British Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident in Pattaya
A British motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run road accident on the "dark side" in East Pattaya on Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred in Soi Siam Country Club and resulted in the death of Mr. Christopher Nicholas Gibb, 30, from Middlesex, England.
Witnesses described how Mr. Gibb, riding a Honda Click scooter, attempted an overtaking maneuver past a slow moving pick-up truck but clipped the side mirror of another pick-up truck travelling in the opposite direction. The young Briton fell off his motorbike onto the road and in the path of a 10-wheel truck which was carrying tables and chairs. The truck driver failed to stop in time and ran over Mr. Gibb. The driver of the 10-wheeler fled the scene and is currently being sought by police.
The driver of the pick-up truck travelling in the opposite lane confirmed the alleged chain-of-events but was detained by police pending further investigations. Pattaya One News
23/ Jan/ 2012
Ladyboy Stabbed by 'Friend' over Pickpocket Plan on Pattaya Beach
A ladyboy was stabbed in her face during an argument with another ladyboy on Pattaya beach who "wanted to pickpocket foreign tourists." The incident took place in front of Soi 5 at the northern stretch of Pattaya beach.
"Miss" Noppadon, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated and received medical treatment at the scene, explained that he/she was sitting at the Beach Road promenade and drinking whisky with other ladyboys who "suggested they pickpocket foreign tourists who walk by so they can raise extra money to buy more whisky." Miss Noppadon allegedly "refused to take part in any criminal activities" and entered into a fight with one of his/her so-called friends who produced a knife and stabbed him/her in the right cheek.
Everyone fled the scene apart from the victim who explained how the group would "meet at the beach every night and drink Thai whisky together." Police are now searching for the suspected attacker. Pattaya One News
21/ Jan/ 2012
PAD, Retired Army General Call for Coup to "Protect the Monarchy"
Thailand's ultra-royalist Yellow Shirts, officially known as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Friday organised a public talk to mark the Chinese New Year, during which its core leaders called on the military to stage a coup and "vowed to resume the struggle against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra," who was ousted by a military coup in 2006.
PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, who said he "feared for the future of the monarchy if the Thaksin camp had its way," called on the military to stage a "coup in cooperation with the people in order to wrestle a complete control of the country from Thaksin."
"If the PAD is to make a move once again, this time [we] will not just confine to street protesting but a complete seizure of power," Sondhi said. "The next fight will not be protests on the street. We’ll fight to seize state power, make or break. Because if it’s not make or break, our King will not survive," he said.
Another PAD core leader warned he expected a "final showdown with the Thaksin regime." He claimed the "regime was contracting some 5,000 Cambodian and Vietnamese mercenaries to topple the monarchy in order to inaugurate a republic." The PAD, he said, would pour into the streets at the first sign of changing charter provisions pertaining to the monarchy and granting amnesty for Thaksin. "The PAD must be prepared to come out whenever Article 112 [relating to the country's draconian lese majeste law] or the Constitution is amended," he said.
In a radio program on Saturday, General Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired army general who has been jailed previously for taking part in a failed coup over a decade ago, supported the PAD's call for a military coup "to protect the monarchy."
Same as the PAD leaders, Gen Boonlert spoke out against the move to amend the controversial lese majeste law, calling on the military to put its foot down. "[The lese majeste law] must not be touched or amended, as it involves the monarchy. The military must take action and not only speak. The monarchy has been insulted a lot over the past years. If it continues too much, the military cannot tolerate it, they will stage a coup definitely."
If comments that he sees as being insulting to the monarchy would not stop, Gen Boonlert said he would support another coup, "not as a power grab, but to protect the monarchy."
"But," the retired army general conceded, "I cannot do it myself because I don't command any troops." Those generals who are in a position to stage a coup, however, would "never talk about it." The Nation Prachatai TN
20/ Jan/ 2012
Two Bulgarian ATM Skimming Suspects Caught in Pattaya
Pattaya police on Thursday afternoon arrested two Bulgarian nationals, accused of running an ATM skimming operation. The two men were spotted by a police patrol on Soi Bongkot in Central Pattaya as they stood outside a Family Mart convenience store and it appeared as though they were in the process of attaching a false cover to the card slot on the ATM machine in front of the store. When the two suspects saw the police patrol they attempted to run away but were soon caught and arrested. The false card slot cover, which had been thrown into a nearby area of wasteland, was also recovered.
The two Bulgarian nationals, identified as Mr. Ventseslav Palyski, 39, and Mr. Borislav Ralev, 41, were then taken to their rented room on Soi Buakhao where further evidence - including computers, credit cards, mini cameras and mobile phones - were found. Police later revealed that the men apparently used a "skimming device and a small camera to record users entering their pin numbers." Pattaya One News
19/ Jan/ 2012
Russian Couple Arrested for Hotel Room Burglary in Pattaya
A Russian couple, claiming to be brother and sister, has been arrested by Immigration Police in Pattaya, accused of multiple counts of theft from various hotel rooms occupied by other foreign guests.
Mr. Denis Skvortsov, 31, and Miss Antolina Pavlova, 23, have been charged with stealing various items from the rooms, including foreign currency, credit cards, valuable wrist watches, digital cameras and perfumes, which were on show at a press conference held at the Pattaya Immigration Office. The value of the stolen goods which could be retrieved from the young couple approximated one million Thai Baht. CCTV footage from two upscale hotels serves as additional evidence in the case, along with pictures the Russian couple has taken of themselves with the stolen goods.
The pair is known to have committed the crimes at various hotels around Pattaya, such as The Hard Rock and Bella Express hotels, always using one of three different methods. The first would involve renting a room and waiting for cleaning staff to arrive at the neighboring room. The pair would then pretend to occupy the room and wait inside until the cleaners had finished. The second would involve Miss Pavlova meeting with a guest and going back to his room for sex. At some point she would steal items herself or would steal the room key allowing her brother to return at a later time to steal items.
Each time when the two Russians had stolen enough money, or other valuable items, they would fly to Hong Kong or Singapore for a while before returning to Thailand to steal from more innocent tourists visiting Pattaya.
The pair were now caught as they attempted to leave Thailand via the land border checkpoint in Chantaburi and then taken to Pattaya. Both are facing multiple counts of theft and are being held on remand pending court proceedings. Pattaya One News PDN
18/ Jan/ 2012
Appeals Court Upholds 37-Year Term Against Dutch Paedophile
Thailand's Appeals Court on Wednesday upheld 37-year jail term against a Dutchman convicted of molesting a 12-year-old boy in 2007.
Willem Gerard Knoppien, 54, was earlier found guilty by the Criminal Court of luring the boy to be molested in his house in Hua Hin on several occasions between March 2007 and early 2009. The court also found his Thai accomplice, Thanes Bualuang, 35, guilty of soliciting the boy for Knoppien and sentenced the Thai man to 26 years and eight months in jaill.
The two had been accused of "taking the minor away from his parents, procuring him for molestation and abusing him on four occasions."
Thanes reportedly lured the boy with a cleaning job to Knoppien's house, where the Dutchman sexually molested the boy on four occasions. Each time he allegedly paid Thanes 200 Baht and gave the boy 120 Baht.
The Nation reported in 2009: "Even though there are no photos or DNA evidence proving the molestation of the young boy in five encounters between March 2007 and January this year, the Criminal Court said the boy's testimony that he had been molested and sodomised by Knoppien was believable."
Knoppien appealed against the guilty verdict. The Appeals Court, however, agreed that the boy's testimony was credible and also reasoned that his Thai accomplice had admitted soliciting the boy for Knoppien. The Nation
17/ Jan/ 2012
Indian Tourist Robbed by Pattaya Beach Prostitute in Hotel Room
A 32-year-old Indian tourist Tuesday afternoon reported the theft of an expensive gold necklace at Pattaya Police Station.
Mr. Mukesh Nandlal Gurnani told police that on Monday night he had "gone for a walk along Pattaya beach and was approached by a Thai woman," identified as Miss Laddawan, 29, who "suggested the pair return to his hotel room, in exchange for her receiving 1,000 Baht for her time." Mr. Gurnani accepted the deal and the pair returned to the Siam Bayview Hotel. Reception staff there took a copy of Miss Laddawan’s Thai ID card prior to her entering the hotel.
Mr. Gurnani explained that "after intercourse, she made an excuse to leave." Mr. Gurnani later discovered that his bag had been "cut open, and a gold necklace worth around 70,000 Baht had been stolen."
Police have now issued an arrest warrant for Miss Laddawan and would like to warn all tourists that "meeting strangers [i.e. freelance prostitutes on Beach Road, Walking Street or elsewhere on the streets of Pattaya] and inviting them back to your hotel room carries many dangers, and they advise against it." Pattaya One News
16/ Jan/ 2012
British Man Kills Himself at Shooting Range on Pattaya Beach
A British man has committed suicide at a Central Pattaya shooting range on Sunday afternoon. After they were alerted by staff at the shooting range, police and rescue services made their way to the Pattaya Klang Shooting Range located on Pattaya Beach and inspected the body of Mr. Andrew Michael Davis, 42, from Stockport, UK. He had suffered a self-inflicted wound to his head and the moments leading up to his death were caught on security cameras at the venue.
Mr. Davis, who was under the supervision of shooting range staff member Khun Gitsana, 25, reportedly "purchased a total of 20 bullets for a 357 Magnum which he chose to use when he arrived. The first 15 bullets were expelled into the range and in the direction of the target. A further five bullets were then loaded into the gun, and after the first two, which were also expelled in the direction of the target, Mr. Davis is seen to point the gun under his chin and pull the trigger. He fell to the ground and died instantly."
The shocked instructor, who was standing next to Mr. Davis on his left, claimed he had been unable to prevent Mr. Davis from taking his own life as "he appeared relaxed throughout."
Police know little about Mr. Davis but have his hotel key and a rented motorbike. Any possible motives behind the suicide are not known yet either. The British Embassy in Bangkok is aware of the death and are providing consular assistance to the family of Mr. Davis. Pattaya One PDN
16/ Jan/ 2012
Thailand Records Over 19 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2011
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that the number of tourist arrivals in Thailand has "returned to normal," following a slight decline at the end of the year due to the flooding.
As the floods started to recede in early December, Thailand’s tourism sector has "once again shown its resilience," the TAT said. And by the end of 2011, Thailand had welcomed a total of over 19 million foreign visitors, which represented an annual growth of 20% compared to 2010.
According to the TAT, the country's tourism sector has again "proven its ability to bounce back when faced with similar situations in the past. This is due to the uniqueness and quality of our tourism products and the strength of the Thailand brand, which has strong affinity with travellers all over the world."
Nearly 30% of visitors to Thailand in 2011 were from within the ASEAN region. ASEAN visitor arrivals to Thailand during January-November 2011 totalled 4.9 million, with over two million arrivals from Malaysia only. No other country- or region-specific figures were disclosed.
Thailand has also started off 2012 strongly, with "over 300,000 international visitors arriving during the first week of January [which] is very close to that of the same period last year."
For 2012, the TAT is targeting more than 19.5 million international arrivals, a 26% increase over last year’s target. Tourism revenues for 2012 are expected to reach 24 billion US dollars (766 billion Baht), an increase of 28% over last year's. NNT
16/ Jan/ 2012
British Consulate in Pattaya Resumes Normal Services
Normal service has resumed at the British Consulate in Jomtien. As of Monday, January 16, the new full-time team consisting of a Vice Consul and Consulate Officer will be offering a range of notarial services including Proof of Income letters for Thai Immigration long-stay visas along with certified copies of British passports.
The British Consulate, located next to the Pattaya Immigration Office on Jomtien Soi 5, is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 11.30am, excluding on public holidays. Their office number is 038- 267 113, or visit the British Embassy website www.ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk. For emergency 24- hour assistance from inside Thailand, call 02-305 8333. Pattaya One News
15/ Jan/ 2012
Thai Police Hunting Terror Suspect As Travel Alerts Mount
Police are hunting a terror suspect believed to be at large in Bangkok as the number of foreign embassies issuing travel warnings to Thailand increased to 11 on Saturday, and security has been beefed up at certain embassies.
Late on Friday night, police released a sketch of a man suspected of entering Thailand to launch terrorist attacks, hours after Atris Hussein, a Swedish-Lebanese man with suspected links to the Hezbollah militant group, was apprehended by police at Suvarnabhumi airport. A police source said Mr. Hussein had told investigators that even though he was a member of Hezbollah, he was not part of the group's militant arm. No charges have been pressed yet against the suspect, as there was "no evidence that he has committed an offence."
The second suspect is a white Middle-Eastern man who is about 180cm tall with short hair and stubble. Those who believe they may have spotted the suspect are being urged to report to the nearest police station or call 191, police said.
The man is still believed to be in Bangkok where police units have been instructed to look for the suspect, and as a result the public might see more police checkpoints and searches. However, police in nearby provinces and other popular tourists destinations such as Pattaya and some southern provinces have also been told to be on the lookout for the suspect.
"From intelligence reports, the attackers will use explosives, so the public is urged to be vigilant in risk areas, or in buildings visited by a lot of foreigners, and to particularly look for vehicles that have been left in certain areas for a long time," police warned.
Mr. Hussein's arrest prompted a total of 11 foreign embassies, including those of the US, Canada and Australia, to issue travel alerts for Thailand, saying that foreign terrorists may be in the process of looking to launch attacks in tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future.
On the other hand, Thailand's national police chief claimed yesterday the suspect had admitted the plot to police interrogators and quoted Mr. Hussein as saying that the Hezbollah terrorist group had "cancelled" its plan to attack targets in Thailand after Thai authorities had learned about the plot. Bangkok Post The Nation
14/ Jan/ 2012
Oman Tourist Assaulted, Robbed on Pattaya Beach
A tourist from Oman was assaulted and robbed on Pattaya beach in the early hours of Saturday. The incident took place opposite the Best Friend bar complex just before 3.30am and the victim, Mr. Mustafa Alagmi, 23, sustained facial injuries and had to be taken to hospital.
Mr. Mustafa explained to police that he was walking along the beach on his own when he was confronted by a woman who suggested the pair return to his hotel together. The pair walked down to the beach itself to discuss the proposition further when two Thai men emerged from the darkness and assaulted Mr. Alagmi. In the attack, his Blackberry mobile phone and 3,000 Baht in cash were stolen from him. The men were then seen to leave on a motorbike in the direction of Walking Street.
Police are investigating the case and say they will increase their presence on the beach at night to ensure further cases of assault and theft from tourists does not occur again. Pattaya One
13/ Jan/ 2012
US Warns of Possible Terrorist Attack in Bangkok, Suspect Arrested BP The Nation TN
Naked Bar Girl on Car Roof Causes a Stir in Central Pattaya Pattaya One News
11/ Jan/ 2012
High-Ranking Official Attacks Security Officer at Suvarnabhumi Airport AP The Nation
09/ Jan/ 2012
Body of British Man Washed Up on Pattaya Beach Pattaya One News
08/ Jan/ 2012
British Backpacker Killed by Electric Shock from Faulty Fridge Phuketwan
Freshly Amputated Human Leg Found in Bangkok The Nation
03/ Jan/ 2012
Thai Wife Stabs Husband To Death Following Drink-Related Argument Pattaya One News
01/ Jan/ 2012
DSI to Crack Down on Illegal Foreign-Run Businesses The Nation
News stories featured on this page are mostly shortened versions of articles gathered from various online news resources. Reference sources have been made available at the bottom of each article to enable further web browsing. This page will be updated daily or when appropriate. News Archive Thailand News Links Visa News
03/ Feb/ 2012
Two Irishmen Arrested over Stabbing Incident in Pattaya Bar Brawl
Two Irish nationals were arrested by Pattaya police in the early hours of Friday, accused of being involved in a fight at a beer bar which left two Thai men with serious stab wounds and two other foreign patrons with minor facial injuries.
Police were called to the New Plaza bar complex on Pattaya 2nd Road where staff members of two beer bars, the Pussy Bar and Boom Boom Bar, had reported a "fight between two groups of foreigners, which started after two of them demanded a refund of bar fines paid for two bar girls earlier in the night." Two Thai men, one working as a security guard at the complex and a local motorbike taxi driver, stepped in to attempt to stop the fight but were allegedly stabbed by one of the foreign fighters. The two victims, 41 and 23 years old, were reportedly stabbed in the neck, chest and stomach.
The two foreigners thought to have started the fight were soon located and arrested at their house on Soi 17 in South Pattaya. At Pattaya Police Station, Mr. Darren Delaney, 39, and Mr. Thomas Plunkett, also 39, both originating from Dublin, Ireland, but "with strong Liverpudlian accents," reportedly admitted to the charges. Mr. Plunkett, however, alleged he had stabbed the two Thai men "in self-defense" only.
According to the owner of Boom Boom Bar, Mr. Delaney had paid for sexual services of two bar girls. However, the girls "returned to the bar a short time later claiming they feared for their safety once they arrived at Delaney's house, seeing how intoxicated he and his friend were."
Delaney then followed the girl back to the bar and angrily demanded his money back. Although the bar owner quickly complied to the request, it still did not calm Delaney down, who proceeded to attack two bar patrons and a handful of motorcycle taxi drivers before fleeing the scene.
Later that night, Delaney, accompanied by his friend, Mr. Plunkett, came back and again began to attack the motorcycle taxi drivers and security guards in front of the bar, which is when Plunkett reportedly stabbed the two victims. The two Irishmen then fled the scene once again on a motorcycle. Pattaya One PDN
03/ Feb/ 2012
Thai Couple Posing as Blind Beggars Earn over 100K Baht/Month
A Thai couple, arrested for causing a public disturbance in a motel room in Laem Chabang near Pattaya, have admitted to posing as blind beggars begging for money from patrons of restaurants and claimed to be making more than 100,000 Baht a month.
Laem Chabang Police were notified of a domestic disturbance in the motel room on Sukhumvit Road after staff had reported that a couple was fighting loudly in the room. The police arrived at the scene to break up the fight between the husband, 43-year-old Hon Sompetch and his wife, 48-year-old Tem Cholrum.
During the interrogation, police were able to determine that Hon and Tem pose as blind beggars who ask for money from patrons dining at restaurants in the Laem Chabang area. Hon, who confessed that he can see normally, would "pose as a blind man while Tem poses as his helper. Hon would sing, using his portable sound system, while Tem guides him along the road as he pretends to be blind."
Investigators found several bags full of coins in the couple's motel room. Hon told the police that he started to pretend he was blind when he found out how much money a blind beggar could make in a day. He and Tem made around 3,000-4,000 Baht a day from begging alone, he said, and could make more than 120,000 Baht in a month.
Hon explained that the fight broke out when he and Tem argued about how the money should be split. Tem wasn't happy with his gambling habit. Hon admitted to blowing away his earning at bars and gambling dens.
Police have imposed a fine on the couple on charges of public disturbance. However, they are unable to prosecute Hon and Tem for their deception as no victims have officially come forward to file a complaint against the couple. TAN
03/ Feb/ 2012
Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Pay 684 Million Baht in Protection Fees Each Month
Motorbike taxi drivers nationwide might pay up to 684 million Baht each month in protection fees to so-called "mafia figures," an enquiry initiated by the son of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found yesterday.
Mr. Wan, the newly appointed adviser to the transport minister, led the inspection of a number of motorcycle taxi ranks in Bangkok. At the first queue inspected, the drivers said they paid 45,000 Baht each month to "protectors".
Wan and Mr. Chalerm Changthongmadan, head of the Association of Motorcycle Taxi Drivers (AMTD), vaguely identified who the protectors were. "This [particular] queue is located in areas under the influence of a retired Army general, and military officers come to collect the fee," he added. They did not mention the role of local police or traffic police officers, however, who were supposed to tackle the problem.
The extortion gangs - often backed by "influential people or high-ranking officials" - not only demand protection payments, Mr. Chalerm alleged, but also "collect monthly rents, force their own drivers into the queues, and establish unregistered queues right next to legitimate ones." He added: "About 90% of all motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok are being intimidated and forced into paying protection money. When a queue leader refuses, they will just take him out."
Quoting the AMTD's head and other motorcycle taxi drivers, Wan said "lawfully registered riders, who totalled around 190,000 nationwide, had to pay 120 Baht each day to protectors, in addition to monthly fees." He projected that "this could amount to 684 million Baht each month."
According to the enquiry, in 2003 there were 4,453 motorcycle taxi stands registered with district offices, while there were around 1,000 non-registered queues operating illegally.
To start tackling the problem, Wan said he would seek to register the 1,000 unregistered taxi ranks, which would see the motorcycles' "licence-plate colour changed to yellow." He also called on motorbike taxi drivers to file complaints with the police or petition him directly if they were attacked by the protectors after refusing to pay the fees. The Nation BP
02/ Feb/ 2012
Two Young Swedish Couples Killed in Horror Crash near Phuket
Two young Swedish couples and their Thai taxi driver were killed instantly Wednesday morning when their rented car was hit head-on by a six-wheel refrigerator truck in Phang Nga province in southern Thailand.
The dead were identified by their ID cards as: Elin Marita Hedbris, 21; Frida Madeleine Falk, 22; Anders Tobias Larsson, 22; Johan Olof Nikolas Svensson, 22; and Wichit Phromluang, 26, from Udon Thani.
According to Swedish media reports, the two couples were from the town of Varberg and were on a three-week holiday. They had been staying in Patong on the tourist island of Phuket and were reportedly on their way to the popular diving destination of Koh Tao, part of Chumphon Province, when the crash occurred.
According to reports, all five were killed instantly when the Honda compact car they were riding in was hit head on by a six-wheel refrigerator truck owned by a fish transport firm. Police are now hunting the driver, who fled the scene. Phuket Gazette
31/ Jan/ 2012
New Crackdown on 'Unlicensed' Pattaya Bars, Early Closing Time Enforced
Pattaya One News report that "following direct orders from the Chonburi Police Commander over 30 late-night venues" all around Pattaya were "checked by police and district officials in the early hours of Tuesday, and many irregularities were found."
The report continues: "Officers went to bars in many areas, including North Pattaya, Walking Street in South Pattaya, and Jomtien. They checked staff and patrons but were mainly looking for venues which were either unlicensed or operating outside of their license conditions."
A total of 15 venues were reportedly "found to be unlicensed" and the managers and owners were detained and taken to Pattaya Police Station. A report will now go to the District Licensing Unit which may impose permanent or temporary closure orders on venues found to be operating illegally."
Obviously this is just another chapter in the recent crackdown on bars especially in the Jomtien area, which started just over two weeks ago and targeted beer bars that were found to be still operating after the "official" 1 a.m. closing hour which is obviously being interpreted as "operating outside of their license conditions." Roughly between 10 and 20 bars, mostly on Thappraya Road, Soi 7, Soi Whitehouse, and in the new Rompho bar complex, were closed for 30 days by authorities, while others were just warned to comply with the police order to close at 1 a.m. For the time being this unfortunately means that most bars around Jomtien, and likely all over the Pattaya area, will close - or at least switch off the music and non-essential lighting - a bit earlier than usual.
Interestingly the headline chosen by Pattaya One News states: "Major crackdown on unlicensed bars around Pattaya begins." So let's assume that more police action may be expected for the coming weeks. Rumours, however, have it that once authorities have proved yet again their readiness to enforce the letter of the law (and perhaps collected a few "donations" from affected businesses) the situation will return to "normal" again? Pattaya One News
30/ Jan/ 2012
Don Mueang Airport to Reopen for Commercial Flights on March 6
Thailand's second biggest airport, Don Mueang, will again reopen for commercial flights on March 6, Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Anirut Thanomkulbut said on Monday.
The airport was closed late last October when floodwaters encroached into its buildings and runways, and services of some budget airlines moved to Suvarnabhumi International airport.
Nok Air, a local low-cost airline, has now confirmed the resumption of its full operations at Don Mueang airport from March on, while Orient Thai, another low-cost airline, has yet to make a decision whether to return. However, the AoT president added, only the eastern runway would be reopened for services in March. Xinhua
28/ Jan/ 2012
Respect Thai Culture by Not Sunbathing Nude!
Richard Barrow of the popular Thai Travel News blog has recently spotted an interesting sign on an unnamed "popular beach" in Thailand which reads: "We kindly request that you respect Thai culture by not sunbathing nude." In fact, it is against Thai law.
Barrow adds: "Thai people are taught from an early age to be modest. Despite Bangkok’s international reputation, it is not common to see Thai people in skimpy clothing. Certainly not respectable people. If a Thai women is spotted in a tight fitting outfit in the middle of the day, you might hear other Thai people comment disdainfully that she is most likely a prostitute. Schools and government offices won’t let you enter if you are not dressed respectfully. That goes for the Immigration office in Pattaya."
"Around town, despite the hot weather, most Thai people are covered up. This is partly because they don’t want to get a sun-tan, but also because of modesty. In fact, it is against the law for men to appear in public places without a shirt ... The same goes for public beaches. Most Thai people will swim in their clothes and even when they are sitting in the shade under beach umbrellas, they will cover up. To be respectful to Thai culture, you shouldn’t sunbathe or swim in the nude." Needless to add that sex on the beach is equally against the law ... Thai Travel News
23/ Jan/ 2012
British Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident in Pattaya
A British motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run road accident on the "dark side" in East Pattaya on Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred in Soi Siam Country Club and resulted in the death of Mr. Christopher Nicholas Gibb, 30, from Middlesex, England.
Witnesses described how Mr. Gibb, riding a Honda Click scooter, attempted an overtaking maneuver past a slow moving pick-up truck but clipped the side mirror of another pick-up truck travelling in the opposite direction. The young Briton fell off his motorbike onto the road and in the path of a 10-wheel truck which was carrying tables and chairs. The truck driver failed to stop in time and ran over Mr. Gibb. The driver of the 10-wheeler fled the scene and is currently being sought by police.
The driver of the pick-up truck travelling in the opposite lane confirmed the alleged chain-of-events but was detained by police pending further investigations. Pattaya One News
23/ Jan/ 2012
Ladyboy Stabbed by 'Friend' over Pickpocket Plan on Pattaya Beach
A ladyboy was stabbed in her face during an argument with another ladyboy on Pattaya beach who "wanted to pickpocket foreign tourists." The incident took place in front of Soi 5 at the northern stretch of Pattaya beach.
"Miss" Noppadon, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated and received medical treatment at the scene, explained that he/she was sitting at the Beach Road promenade and drinking whisky with other ladyboys who "suggested they pickpocket foreign tourists who walk by so they can raise extra money to buy more whisky." Miss Noppadon allegedly "refused to take part in any criminal activities" and entered into a fight with one of his/her so-called friends who produced a knife and stabbed him/her in the right cheek.
Everyone fled the scene apart from the victim who explained how the group would "meet at the beach every night and drink Thai whisky together." Police are now searching for the suspected attacker. Pattaya One News
21/ Jan/ 2012
PAD, Retired Army General Call for Coup to "Protect the Monarchy"
Thailand's ultra-royalist Yellow Shirts, officially known as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Friday organised a public talk to mark the Chinese New Year, during which its core leaders called on the military to stage a coup and "vowed to resume the struggle against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra," who was ousted by a military coup in 2006.
PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, who said he "feared for the future of the monarchy if the Thaksin camp had its way," called on the military to stage a "coup in cooperation with the people in order to wrestle a complete control of the country from Thaksin."
"If the PAD is to make a move once again, this time [we] will not just confine to street protesting but a complete seizure of power," Sondhi said. "The next fight will not be protests on the street. We’ll fight to seize state power, make or break. Because if it’s not make or break, our King will not survive," he said.
Another PAD core leader warned he expected a "final showdown with the Thaksin regime." He claimed the "regime was contracting some 5,000 Cambodian and Vietnamese mercenaries to topple the monarchy in order to inaugurate a republic." The PAD, he said, would pour into the streets at the first sign of changing charter provisions pertaining to the monarchy and granting amnesty for Thaksin. "The PAD must be prepared to come out whenever Article 112 [relating to the country's draconian lese majeste law] or the Constitution is amended," he said.
In a radio program on Saturday, General Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired army general who has been jailed previously for taking part in a failed coup over a decade ago, supported the PAD's call for a military coup "to protect the monarchy."
Same as the PAD leaders, Gen Boonlert spoke out against the move to amend the controversial lese majeste law, calling on the military to put its foot down. "[The lese majeste law] must not be touched or amended, as it involves the monarchy. The military must take action and not only speak. The monarchy has been insulted a lot over the past years. If it continues too much, the military cannot tolerate it, they will stage a coup definitely."
If comments that he sees as being insulting to the monarchy would not stop, Gen Boonlert said he would support another coup, "not as a power grab, but to protect the monarchy."
"But," the retired army general conceded, "I cannot do it myself because I don't command any troops." Those generals who are in a position to stage a coup, however, would "never talk about it." The Nation Prachatai TN
20/ Jan/ 2012
Two Bulgarian ATM Skimming Suspects Caught in Pattaya
Pattaya police on Thursday afternoon arrested two Bulgarian nationals, accused of running an ATM skimming operation. The two men were spotted by a police patrol on Soi Bongkot in Central Pattaya as they stood outside a Family Mart convenience store and it appeared as though they were in the process of attaching a false cover to the card slot on the ATM machine in front of the store. When the two suspects saw the police patrol they attempted to run away but were soon caught and arrested. The false card slot cover, which had been thrown into a nearby area of wasteland, was also recovered.
The two Bulgarian nationals, identified as Mr. Ventseslav Palyski, 39, and Mr. Borislav Ralev, 41, were then taken to their rented room on Soi Buakhao where further evidence - including computers, credit cards, mini cameras and mobile phones - were found. Police later revealed that the men apparently used a "skimming device and a small camera to record users entering their pin numbers." Pattaya One News
19/ Jan/ 2012
Russian Couple Arrested for Hotel Room Burglary in Pattaya
A Russian couple, claiming to be brother and sister, has been arrested by Immigration Police in Pattaya, accused of multiple counts of theft from various hotel rooms occupied by other foreign guests.
Mr. Denis Skvortsov, 31, and Miss Antolina Pavlova, 23, have been charged with stealing various items from the rooms, including foreign currency, credit cards, valuable wrist watches, digital cameras and perfumes, which were on show at a press conference held at the Pattaya Immigration Office. The value of the stolen goods which could be retrieved from the young couple approximated one million Thai Baht. CCTV footage from two upscale hotels serves as additional evidence in the case, along with pictures the Russian couple has taken of themselves with the stolen goods.
The pair is known to have committed the crimes at various hotels around Pattaya, such as The Hard Rock and Bella Express hotels, always using one of three different methods. The first would involve renting a room and waiting for cleaning staff to arrive at the neighboring room. The pair would then pretend to occupy the room and wait inside until the cleaners had finished. The second would involve Miss Pavlova meeting with a guest and going back to his room for sex. At some point she would steal items herself or would steal the room key allowing her brother to return at a later time to steal items.
Each time when the two Russians had stolen enough money, or other valuable items, they would fly to Hong Kong or Singapore for a while before returning to Thailand to steal from more innocent tourists visiting Pattaya.
The pair were now caught as they attempted to leave Thailand via the land border checkpoint in Chantaburi and then taken to Pattaya. Both are facing multiple counts of theft and are being held on remand pending court proceedings. Pattaya One News PDN
18/ Jan/ 2012
Appeals Court Upholds 37-Year Term Against Dutch Paedophile
Thailand's Appeals Court on Wednesday upheld 37-year jail term against a Dutchman convicted of molesting a 12-year-old boy in 2007.
Willem Gerard Knoppien, 54, was earlier found guilty by the Criminal Court of luring the boy to be molested in his house in Hua Hin on several occasions between March 2007 and early 2009. The court also found his Thai accomplice, Thanes Bualuang, 35, guilty of soliciting the boy for Knoppien and sentenced the Thai man to 26 years and eight months in jaill.
The two had been accused of "taking the minor away from his parents, procuring him for molestation and abusing him on four occasions."
Thanes reportedly lured the boy with a cleaning job to Knoppien's house, where the Dutchman sexually molested the boy on four occasions. Each time he allegedly paid Thanes 200 Baht and gave the boy 120 Baht.
The Nation reported in 2009: "Even though there are no photos or DNA evidence proving the molestation of the young boy in five encounters between March 2007 and January this year, the Criminal Court said the boy's testimony that he had been molested and sodomised by Knoppien was believable."
Knoppien appealed against the guilty verdict. The Appeals Court, however, agreed that the boy's testimony was credible and also reasoned that his Thai accomplice had admitted soliciting the boy for Knoppien. The Nation
17/ Jan/ 2012
Indian Tourist Robbed by Pattaya Beach Prostitute in Hotel Room
A 32-year-old Indian tourist Tuesday afternoon reported the theft of an expensive gold necklace at Pattaya Police Station.
Mr. Mukesh Nandlal Gurnani told police that on Monday night he had "gone for a walk along Pattaya beach and was approached by a Thai woman," identified as Miss Laddawan, 29, who "suggested the pair return to his hotel room, in exchange for her receiving 1,000 Baht for her time." Mr. Gurnani accepted the deal and the pair returned to the Siam Bayview Hotel. Reception staff there took a copy of Miss Laddawan’s Thai ID card prior to her entering the hotel.
Mr. Gurnani explained that "after intercourse, she made an excuse to leave." Mr. Gurnani later discovered that his bag had been "cut open, and a gold necklace worth around 70,000 Baht had been stolen."
Police have now issued an arrest warrant for Miss Laddawan and would like to warn all tourists that "meeting strangers [i.e. freelance prostitutes on Beach Road, Walking Street or elsewhere on the streets of Pattaya] and inviting them back to your hotel room carries many dangers, and they advise against it." Pattaya One News
16/ Jan/ 2012
British Man Kills Himself at Shooting Range on Pattaya Beach
A British man has committed suicide at a Central Pattaya shooting range on Sunday afternoon. After they were alerted by staff at the shooting range, police and rescue services made their way to the Pattaya Klang Shooting Range located on Pattaya Beach and inspected the body of Mr. Andrew Michael Davis, 42, from Stockport, UK. He had suffered a self-inflicted wound to his head and the moments leading up to his death were caught on security cameras at the venue.
Mr. Davis, who was under the supervision of shooting range staff member Khun Gitsana, 25, reportedly "purchased a total of 20 bullets for a 357 Magnum which he chose to use when he arrived. The first 15 bullets were expelled into the range and in the direction of the target. A further five bullets were then loaded into the gun, and after the first two, which were also expelled in the direction of the target, Mr. Davis is seen to point the gun under his chin and pull the trigger. He fell to the ground and died instantly."
The shocked instructor, who was standing next to Mr. Davis on his left, claimed he had been unable to prevent Mr. Davis from taking his own life as "he appeared relaxed throughout."
Police know little about Mr. Davis but have his hotel key and a rented motorbike. Any possible motives behind the suicide are not known yet either. The British Embassy in Bangkok is aware of the death and are providing consular assistance to the family of Mr. Davis. Pattaya One PDN
16/ Jan/ 2012
Thailand Records Over 19 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2011
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that the number of tourist arrivals in Thailand has "returned to normal," following a slight decline at the end of the year due to the flooding.
As the floods started to recede in early December, Thailand’s tourism sector has "once again shown its resilience," the TAT said. And by the end of 2011, Thailand had welcomed a total of over 19 million foreign visitors, which represented an annual growth of 20% compared to 2010.
According to the TAT, the country's tourism sector has again "proven its ability to bounce back when faced with similar situations in the past. This is due to the uniqueness and quality of our tourism products and the strength of the Thailand brand, which has strong affinity with travellers all over the world."
Nearly 30% of visitors to Thailand in 2011 were from within the ASEAN region. ASEAN visitor arrivals to Thailand during January-November 2011 totalled 4.9 million, with over two million arrivals from Malaysia only. No other country- or region-specific figures were disclosed.
Thailand has also started off 2012 strongly, with "over 300,000 international visitors arriving during the first week of January [which] is very close to that of the same period last year."
For 2012, the TAT is targeting more than 19.5 million international arrivals, a 26% increase over last year’s target. Tourism revenues for 2012 are expected to reach 24 billion US dollars (766 billion Baht), an increase of 28% over last year's. NNT
16/ Jan/ 2012
British Consulate in Pattaya Resumes Normal Services
Normal service has resumed at the British Consulate in Jomtien. As of Monday, January 16, the new full-time team consisting of a Vice Consul and Consulate Officer will be offering a range of notarial services including Proof of Income letters for Thai Immigration long-stay visas along with certified copies of British passports.
The British Consulate, located next to the Pattaya Immigration Office on Jomtien Soi 5, is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 11.30am, excluding on public holidays. Their office number is 038- 267 113, or visit the British Embassy website www.ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk. For emergency 24- hour assistance from inside Thailand, call 02-305 8333. Pattaya One News
15/ Jan/ 2012
Thai Police Hunting Terror Suspect As Travel Alerts Mount
Police are hunting a terror suspect believed to be at large in Bangkok as the number of foreign embassies issuing travel warnings to Thailand increased to 11 on Saturday, and security has been beefed up at certain embassies.
Late on Friday night, police released a sketch of a man suspected of entering Thailand to launch terrorist attacks, hours after Atris Hussein, a Swedish-Lebanese man with suspected links to the Hezbollah militant group, was apprehended by police at Suvarnabhumi airport. A police source said Mr. Hussein had told investigators that even though he was a member of Hezbollah, he was not part of the group's militant arm. No charges have been pressed yet against the suspect, as there was "no evidence that he has committed an offence."
The second suspect is a white Middle-Eastern man who is about 180cm tall with short hair and stubble. Those who believe they may have spotted the suspect are being urged to report to the nearest police station or call 191, police said.
The man is still believed to be in Bangkok where police units have been instructed to look for the suspect, and as a result the public might see more police checkpoints and searches. However, police in nearby provinces and other popular tourists destinations such as Pattaya and some southern provinces have also been told to be on the lookout for the suspect.
"From intelligence reports, the attackers will use explosives, so the public is urged to be vigilant in risk areas, or in buildings visited by a lot of foreigners, and to particularly look for vehicles that have been left in certain areas for a long time," police warned.
Mr. Hussein's arrest prompted a total of 11 foreign embassies, including those of the US, Canada and Australia, to issue travel alerts for Thailand, saying that foreign terrorists may be in the process of looking to launch attacks in tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future.
On the other hand, Thailand's national police chief claimed yesterday the suspect had admitted the plot to police interrogators and quoted Mr. Hussein as saying that the Hezbollah terrorist group had "cancelled" its plan to attack targets in Thailand after Thai authorities had learned about the plot. Bangkok Post The Nation
14/ Jan/ 2012
Oman Tourist Assaulted, Robbed on Pattaya Beach
A tourist from Oman was assaulted and robbed on Pattaya beach in the early hours of Saturday. The incident took place opposite the Best Friend bar complex just before 3.30am and the victim, Mr. Mustafa Alagmi, 23, sustained facial injuries and had to be taken to hospital.
Mr. Mustafa explained to police that he was walking along the beach on his own when he was confronted by a woman who suggested the pair return to his hotel together. The pair walked down to the beach itself to discuss the proposition further when two Thai men emerged from the darkness and assaulted Mr. Alagmi. In the attack, his Blackberry mobile phone and 3,000 Baht in cash were stolen from him. The men were then seen to leave on a motorbike in the direction of Walking Street.
Police are investigating the case and say they will increase their presence on the beach at night to ensure further cases of assault and theft from tourists does not occur again. Pattaya One
13/ Jan/ 2012
US Warns of Possible Terrorist Attack in Bangkok, Suspect Arrested BP The Nation TN
Naked Bar Girl on Car Roof Causes a Stir in Central Pattaya Pattaya One News
11/ Jan/ 2012
High-Ranking Official Attacks Security Officer at Suvarnabhumi Airport AP The Nation
09/ Jan/ 2012
Body of British Man Washed Up on Pattaya Beach Pattaya One News
08/ Jan/ 2012
British Backpacker Killed by Electric Shock from Faulty Fridge Phuketwan
Freshly Amputated Human Leg Found in Bangkok The Nation
03/ Jan/ 2012
Thai Wife Stabs Husband To Death Following Drink-Related Argument Pattaya One News
01/ Jan/ 2012
DSI to Crack Down on Illegal Foreign-Run Businesses The Nation
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