Indian tourist’s holiday horror: Robbed and beaten in Pattaya

A 34 year old Indian tourist was brutally assaulted and robbed in Pattaya in the early hours yesterday.

Gobi Manimaran, who was visiting the popular tourist destination yesterday, June 17, reported the harrowing incident to local police after being ambushed by a gang in front of the White Rose Hotel. The attackers, who pounced on Manimaran without warning, made off with his iPhone 10 and US$50 (approximately 1,750 baht) before vanishing into the night.

A passerby, who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, rushed to Manimaran’s aid.

“We need to check the CCTV footage.”

Despite their determination to track down the criminals immediately, the hotel management insisted they first notify the police.

Displaying remarkable kindness, the bystander accompanied Manimaran to the Pattaya Police Station to file an official complaint. The police, promptly recording the incident, assured the shaken tourist that they would leave no stone unturned. An investigative team was dispatched to review the CCTV footage, hoping to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, reported Pattaya Mail.

In related news, Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the success of a visa-free policy for Indian tourists, effective from May 11 to November 11. This initiative aims to boost tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy.

Bookings by Indian tourists surged by 60% between 2022 and last year, according to Airbnb. Searches for accommodations in Thailand by Indian tourists increased by over 200% during major holidays such as the Holi Festival and Easter this year.

In other news, a splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation.

The entire event took place on Pattaya Second Road towards Khao Phra Tamnak around 7pm on April 18. The escalating tension was caught on camera, showing the Thai driver pursuing and confronting the Indian tourist amidst the Songkran festivities.