Thai protester released on bail, tells his side of the story after head-butt incident in Pattaya
A follow up to yesterday’s sad incident with a Thai protester ending up head-butting a 52 year old Russian man who was watching a small protest on the Jomtien foreshore with his 10 year old daughter and Thai wife. The incident happened on Monday evening at the Dongtan Curve.
The protester, Narathiwat “Ken” Khamma, was arrested and jailed for the assault. He was speaking to the small audience from a small stage along the foreshore walk. His stance was the same as the larger protests in Bangkok calling for the resignation of the Thai PM and changes to the country’s constitution. According to Thai Residents, “Ken” was speaking in both English and Thai, appealing to the few foreigners that had stopped to watch as well.
The Russian man, named as Vladislav Timokin. The two men exchanged comments and Vladislav ended up being head-butted. He remained conscious but showed the bystanders his bloodied nose.
Sanook.com spoke to Ken who claims that the Russian man walked into the protest and started watching. At some stage there was a conversation about what the protest was about but it descended into a slanging match and, later, a physical confrontation. According to Ken, the Russian claimed that the protesters joining in the battle “were all trash”. He claims statements were made by Vladislav that the “democracy activists were pulling down Pattaya and the country”. According to Ken’s statement to Sanook, the Russian also said the protesters “were the reason why Thailand’s economy is falling down”.
This explanation from Ken wasn’t captured in the original Pattaya News video. Police attending the event didn’t intervene in the escalating situation.
The taller Thai protester then ‘snapped’ at some stage and started yelling expletives at the Russian… “why the f**k you live in Thailand?”, “you can go f**k yourself”.
Ken was escorted to the Pattaya Beach Soi 9 police station, questioned and jailed over the incident. Free People’s Group protestors arrived at the station alter demanding the release of Ken but police insisted the assault was too serious and would be investigated further. Hours later police set a 10,000 baht bail and Ken was allowed to leave, pending a future court appearance.
The Russian was sent to a hospital for treatment to his bloodied forehead and nose. Police have been speaking to the man this morning as they gather evidence and decide the charges to be laid against the aggressor.
Most comments from the online world have mostly sided with the Russian man, saying that no matter what had been said, the display of violence in front of his young daughter and wife, was uncalled-for.
Lars – This Thai guy just made sure even less foreigners will choose Thailand for holiday in the future.
Jir –Rule# 1 – Foreigners should never participate or spectate in any civil unrest, even more important when with children. The lady giving the child the finger is a massive POS! Without tourist/expat dollars, Thailand would not be what it is today. The Thai guy is just a racist
Murray – They don’t want you there I’ve been going to Pattaya for fifty years and now I notice in the last 5 years there attitude towards falangs. Is very nasty not all but more as each year goes by
Michael – Meanwhile in Pattaya- another great promotion video from the Land of smile
Rey – Weak piece of shit in front of the daughter shows how much respect the guy has
Mark – Stay clear from protest areas like your embassy warned you to. Dont act like a hero regardless how brave you think you are.
You can watch the full exchange from The Pattaya News HERE.
