British man accused of snatching ex-partner’s phone

2026-02-26 - 02:43

PATTAYA — 26 February 2026, a British man was arrested after allegedly snatching a mobile phone from a woman outside a shopping centre in the seaside city of Pattaya, police said. Tourist police, local officers and administrative officials in Bang Lamung district responded to reports of a foreign man causing a disturbance at about 01:00 along Pattaya Beach Road in Nong Prue subdistrict, Chonburi province. Officers found a 36-year-old British national, described as shirtless and wearing black shorts, shouting incoherently and appearing intoxicated. He was not carrying identification documents. Police said he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended, alarming residents and tourists in the area. The alleged victim, 27-year-old Wanida Chaiwan, told authorities she sells cannabis and had briefly dated the suspect before ending the relationship. She said that about two months earlier, the man forced his way into her accommodation, damaging a door and smashing a window before fleeing. On the night of the incident, she said, he returned to her shop and seized her mobile phone. She alleged that he warned her not to shout and threatened to run away if she did. She called for help, prompting nearby patrol officers to intervene and detain him. Police have initially charged the suspect with disorderly conduct in a public place and handed him over to investigators for legal proceedings under Thai law. The complainant is filing additional theft charges and is considering further action over the earlier property damage. Authorities did not immediately release the man’s name.