Elderly American expat assaulted in Pattaya, suspect at large
Pattaya City Police responded to an assault on an American expat last night near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram.
Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to address the situation at around 10.06pm yesterday, September 4. Reporters were also present at the scene.
Officers found Rad M, an 82 year old American expat, with a wound above his left eyebrow and blood covering his face. Rad, who remained calm despite the frightening incident, explained through an interpreter that he regularly exercised in the area without any prior issues. This time, however, he was suddenly attacked by a dark-skinned Thai man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old.
Rad managed to seek help from nearby residents. Having lived in Pattaya for 24 years and being a former American military member, he was able to handle the situation effectively. Despite his age, Rad exercises multiple days a week and remains in great shape, which helped him escape from his much younger, intoxicated assailant.
Surachai Kaenthongcharoen, a 45 year old park security officer, reported that a villager had informed him of the assault on the foreign tourist. Surachai observed a tall, intoxicated Thai man causing a commotion and promptly alerted rescue workers out of concern for the injured man. During this time, the assailant managed to escape.
Pattaya City Police quickly broadcast a description of the perpetrator, as provided by the victim and witnesses, to intercept him along his expected escape route. Despite these efforts, the suspect remains at large as of early this morning. Investigation officers have been dispatched to gather further evidence and track down the assailant to ensure justice is served.
Rad, who maintained a sense of positive humour despite the situation, received medical treatment at the scene and is expected to fully recover, reported Pattaya News.