Pattaya police powerless unless three British men lodge attack complaint

Pattaya Tourist Police declared they cannot take action regarding the assault on three British men, which left one of them in a coma, unless an official complaint is lodged.

Three British men were attacked on Friday, May 24, at the Helicopter bar on Soi 6 in Pattaya over an unpaid bar bill. One of the men is now in hospital fighting for his life after being kicked in the head by one of the security guards.

A video circulating online depicts the violent brawl that unfolded on Friday night in the Helicopter Bar. The row reportedly began when the bar’s hostess informed the three British men about their outstanding bill, which they disputed, claiming they were being ripped off. Subsequently, a confrontation ensued between the men and the bar’s security staff.

According to the hostess, the men became verbally abusive when asked to settle their bill and refused to pay, resulting in the intervention of security personnel. Although CCTV footage shows the men eventually paying their dues, a physical altercation erupted outside the bar, involving three bouncers who attacked two of the British tourists.

In a distressing moment captured on camera, one of the security guards delivered a powerful kick to the head of one of the men, rendering him unconscious.

Following the incident, witnesses reported that the victim remained motionless on the ground for several minutes before being rushed to intensive care, where he was said to be in a coma.

Despite prior warnings about their behaviour, the security guards involved were not detained by the police, as no formal complaints were lodged, said Sergeant Major Arthon of the Pattaya City Police Station.

“We can only pursue a case if a complaint is filed. Efforts to locate the victims are ongoing, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to ascertain their whereabouts.”

In a video statement, the bouncer who delivered the kick expressed regret for his actions, attributing his behaviour to the heat of the moment. He apologised for the incident and acknowledged overreacting to the situation.

“We did not know the amount of the bill that the tourists did not pay. We arrived after being called by a cashier to protect her because she was afraid.

“I want to apologise to society and Pattaya authorities for overdoing it by continuing to attack the tourists when they were down. I acted out of temper after being attacked first.

“We work as part of a group of security guards. There are five of us and we are hired by 28 bars on the road.”

One of the bar hostesses, Samorn, revealed that the men had hired two sex workers to accompany them and that while two of them settled their bills, one disputed his charges. She clarified that the dispute arose from unpaid bills for services received.

“I asked them to pay the bill, but the tourist in the white shirt argued that he had already paid. I explained that the money was the payment of someone who had not paid and not his own bill.

“They insulted me and said the bar was trying to scam them, so I called the security over and told them the tourist would not pay his bill.”

Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Pattaya Police Station Superintendent, condemned the actions of the bar’s security guards, stressing the importance of maintaining professionalism in the industry. He emphasised that such incidents could tarnish the city’s reputation and deter tourists.

“The security guards should have prevented the incident and reported it to the police.

“Anyone who works in this industry must keep their emotions in check and focus on preventing incidents rather than attacking people.

“Cases like this can damage the reputation of the city and deter tourists from visiting.”

Despite attempts to obtain a response from Helicopter Bar, owned by British nationals, no comment was received, reported The Metro.