PATTAYA, Thailand – A Hungarian tourist was hospitalized early Tuesday morning following a violent altercation near Soi Pattaya Beach 12, allegedly sparked by a dispute over unpaid drinks, cannabis, and companionship fees.
The incident took place at approximately 12:15 a.m. on April 30 in the Nong Prue sub-district of Bang Lamung, Chonburi province. Officers from the Pattaya City Police Station, Tourist Police, and volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, authorities found the 53-year-old tourist, whose name has not been released, with a deep wound to the left side of his head and ear. He was treated on-site by rescue personnel before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care. The alleged attackers had fled before police arrived.
Staff from a nearby cannabis and cocktail bar where the incident unfolded told police the man had incurred a bill of 1,570 baht. According to witnesses, he had been drinking and using cannabis at the venue before inviting a transgender woman from the beach to join him for the evening.
When the venue closed, the tourist reportedly failed to pay both the bar tab and an entertainment fee requested by the companion. A dispute ensued, during which the companion allegedly summoned friends to confront the man. The situation quickly escalated into violence, with venue staff intervening to stop the fight.
The injured man later told authorities he had intended to pay but encountered a technical issue with his mobile phone. Pattaya police plan to question him further following his recovery. If he decides to file charges over the assault, investigators will work to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be filed against the tourist in connection with the unpaid bill.
