Two Pattaya residents have publicly apologised following a road rage incident involving a foreign motorist that gained widespread attention on social media. The men acknowledged their behaviour was inappropriate and said they regretted the negative publicity the incident brought to the popular tourist city.
The two men, identified as 25-year-old Techit Saenkrung and 28-year-old Amonnat Phanomrueangsak, spoke to local media on Tuesday to explain their version of events. Both are believed to work as bar hosts in Pattaya, a major beach destination on Thailand’s eastern coast known for its nightlife and tourism industry.
According to their account, the dispute began shortly after they left a condominium in South Pattaya on a motorcycle. They said a white car approached closely from behind and repeatedly sounded its horn. The men alleged that the driver, described as a foreign national, lowered his window and shouted at them in a language they did not understand but interpreted as offensive.
The exchange quickly escalated into an argument. The two men said they intended to involve police officers to help mediate the situation. However, they claimed the driver left the area after hearing the word “police.” Believing the matter remained unresolved, they decided to follow the vehicle.
The men denied accusations circulating online that they had deliberately cut in front of the car. However, Techit admitted that during the confrontation, he knocked on the vehicle’s window and attempted to open one of its doors, which was locked.
He also claimed that the driver made sudden movements with the vehicle during the incident, raising concerns about road safety. The pursuit continued through Pattaya and ended near the Pattaya North and Na Klua roundabout, an important traffic junction in the city. According to the men, the driver then suggested that all parties proceed to a police station.
Upon arrival, the foreign driver reportedly entered the station to speak with officers. The two men said they waited outside for some time before leaving, believing the matter had ended. They stated they did not expect the incident to attract significant public attention.
In their statement, both men described their behaviour as a result of losing control of their emotions during a stressful situation. Techit also acknowledged that he had consumed alcohol before the incident and said he remained upset over what he believed were insults directed at him.
“I apologise to society and the people of Pattaya,” Techit told reporters. “Our actions have made the city look bad.”
The pair said they plan to return to the police station to provide a full account of the incident.
The controversy emerged after a video lasting one minute and 28 seconds was shared on Facebook and X. The footage appears to show the two men riding a red motorcycle, making offensive gestures, shouting at the driver, and striking the vehicle near the Pattaya Tunnel, a well-known road underpass in the city.
The video attracted widespread criticism online, with many social media users expressing concern about aggressive behaviour on roads in a city that receives millions of international visitors each year.
As of publication, local police had not released an official statement regarding the incident or announced whether any charges would be filed. Authorities are expected to review the circumstances as the investigation continues.
