Tourism Shock: Pattaya bar guards beat tourist after bill dispute in viral clip

2026-02-03 - 04:16

PATTAYA — Police are investigating a violent incident involving bar security guards and a tourist in Pattaya after a video of the assault circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about the city’s tourism image. The incident occurred at around 19:00 on 2 February in Soi 6, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The clip shows a group of entertainment venue guards attacking a tourist, allegedly over a dispute about an unpaid bill. When reporters visited the area at about 23:30 the same night, Soi 6, lined with beer bars, remained busy, with both Thai and foreign tourists continuing to visit as usual. One guard who claimed to have witnessed the incident said the tourist had an argument with guards wearing blue uniforms. After talks failed, the tourist reportedly ran away, prompting the guards to chase and restrain him. The tourist allegedly fought back while trying to escape, leading to a scuffle captured on video. The guard said they later advised the venue to contact police and insisted their team was not responsible for security at the bar where the dispute began. Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya City Police Station, said investigators had been ordered to examine the facts and summon all guards seen in the video for questioning. Police are also attempting to locate the injured tourist to obtain further information, as no formal complaint has yet been filed. Police said they would conduct a fair investigation and take legal action against any party found to have broken the law.