A British man who is one of two tourists recently assaulted by Pattaya security guards has filed a police complaint against his attackers. However, his friend has declined to do so, out of concerns for his safety, the Bangkok Post reports.
Pattaya police chief Nawin Theerawit says officers managed to find both British men following the attack at the Helicopter Bar on Soi 6 at around 5pm on May 24. The brawl was captured on video by several bystanders and quickly went viral on social media.
The authorities subsequently arrested 3 security guards, named as 27 year old Ball, 36 year old Tom, and 24 year old Ice, who have all confessed to the attack. Having located the British men involved, the police requested statements and an official complaint from them, but only one – 42 year old Bryce Mahoney – has come forward to do so.
It’s understood his friend was unwilling to do so out of “privacy and safety concerns”, while a third man has already left Pattaya for Bangkok.
The security guards maintain they were attacked first, with one of the Britons punching Ball, allegedly breaking his nose which required 6 stitches. Video footage appears to support this order of events, with one of the tourists throwing the first punch, before all 3 guards jumped in to retaliate.
The guards have apologised, saying they “lost control and overreacted”.
Mr Mahoney sustained bruises to his face, head, and body, as security guards repeatedly kicked both men as they lay on the ground.
According to Mahoney’s testimony, the assault happened on his birthday, when he and his friends had been drinking since around midday. A dispute over an unpaid bill quickly escalated and became violent.
It’s understood the guards were initially only charged with working as security guards without legal permission, an offence that carries a penalty of up to 3 months in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 baht each.
However, the authorities say they are prepared to file charges of physical assault against the men, as well as possible additional charges if justified.
Meanwhile, a 38 year old Korean man has been kicked in the head, twice, by an ‘animal tourism’ vendor a market on Pattaya’s second road. The South Korean tourist was visiting the market and noticed the vendor with the two ‘exotic’ and restricted animals.
He started taking a photo but was interrupted by the Thai vendor, Mr. Bas, who said he would have to pay for the photos. The Korean man “threw” a 100 baht banknote at the vendor, which apparently made him even more angry. The Thai kicked him in the head, twice, dislodging four teeth and chipping another.
The incident was reported to police and an official complaint was made by the South Korean. Mr. Bas offered a wai and 400,000 baht in compensation to repair his teeth.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
