PATTAYA — A Sri Lankan tourist sustained head injuries following an altercation with a transgender woman on Pattaya Beach Road on Saturday night, after a disagreement reportedly escalated into violence.
Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation arrived at Soi 13/3, a busy area along the city’s popular beachfront, around 10:30 p.m. They found a 54-year-old man, identified only as Mr. Sepala, bleeding from the head. He was given first aid at the scene before being taken, along with the alleged attacker, to Muang Pattaya Police Station for questioning.
The suspect, 29-year-old Mintran Buran, who identifies as a transgender woman, admitted to striking the tourist multiple times with a high-heeled shoe during the dispute. According to her account, Mr. Sepala approached her and inquired about her services, which she quoted at 2,000 baht (approximately USD 55).
Mintran stated that the tourist requested to touch her genitals to confirm her gender. She permitted the first touch, but when he allegedly repeated the act without consent or payment, tensions escalated.
“He touched me once, and I allowed it,” Mintran told police. “But he touched me again without paying, and that made me angry. We argued, and when he pulled my shirt, I retaliated and hit him several times with my shoe.”
Mr. Sepala confirmed to authorities that he had asked to verify the woman’s gender, and after doing so, decided not to continue with any services. He claimed he was walking away when he was struck from behind.
“I was about to leave, but she pulled my collar and hit me on the head with a high-heeled shoe,” he said.
Pattaya, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, often sees interactions between visitors and freelance sex workers, including transgender individuals. While sex work exists in a legal grey area in Thailand, physical assault remains a criminal matter.
Police have not yet filed charges and are continuing their investigation. Both parties are expected to provide further statements.
Authorities are reminding tourists to behave respectfully and lawfully, especially when engaging in nightlife activities, to avoid misunderstandings or legal consequences.
