A 53-year-old Australian tourist was taken to Pattaya City Police Station. He disputed a 32,540-baht bar bill after a drinking session lasting more than 13 hours.
The incident happened on August 12, 2026, at a beer bar on Soi Buakhao 15 in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Pattaya. Thai media identified the tourist as Mr Thompson, 53.
Pattaya Tourist Arrives Before Bar Opens
According to bar staff, Thompson arrived at approximately 8:00 a.m., several hours before the bar normally opened.
Staff said he had previously visited other venues within the same group and had a reputation for paying his bills. The owner and employees therefore agreed to open the Pattaya bar early specifically for him.
The drinking session continued until approximately 9:00 p.m., lasting more than 13 hours.
During the session, Thompson reportedly bought drinks for himself and several members of staff. Employees said he appeared particularly interested in some of the female staff and repeatedly ordered drinks for them.
He reportedly used the bar bell to signal when he wanted to buy another round.
Australian Tourist Disputes 32,540-Baht Bill
Later in the evening, Thompson reportedly became friendly with one female employee and asked her to go out with him after the bar closed.
She declined the invitation.
According to the bar staff, Thompson became upset following the rejection and subsequently refused to pay the bill.
Staff reportedly explained that the 32,540-baht total included his own drinks as well as drinks he had purchased for employees throughout the day.
The bar owner said the establishment had opened several hours early specifically for Thompson and continued serving him throughout the extended drinking session.
The owner also said staff had to be paid during the additional hours of operation.
Dispute Taken to Pattaya Police
When the two sides failed to reach an agreement, the bar owner and employees took Thompson to Pattaya City Police Station shortly before midnight.
Police questioned both sides about the disputed Pattaya bar bill.
The bar maintained that 32,540 baht remained unpaid. Thompson reportedly disputed the amount and argued that the bill should have been lower.
With neither side agreeing on the final figure, police recorded the dispute in their daily log.
Officers reportedly planned to examine the bill and gather additional information from both parties before deciding whether further action was required.
No Decision on the Disputed Bill
At the time of reporting, police had not determined whether the 32,540-baht bill was accurate.
The incident remains a dispute over the amount owed. There has been no indication of a final finding against either party.
The case also demonstrates how quickly a Pattaya bar bill can increase when a customer spends many hours drinking and buys drinks for other people.
In this case, the disputed bill exceeded 32,000 baht after more than 13 hours at the bar.
