PATTAYA, Thailand – An early-morning fight between foreign tourists in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao left an American man unconscious on the roadway, once again highlighting concerns over alcohol-related violence in the city’s nightlife districts.
Police were alerted to the incident at approximately 4:30 a.m. on January 25 after reports of a physical altercation with injuries. Pattaya City Police officers, together with Sawang Boriboon rescue volunteers, were dispatched to the scene.
When authorities arrived, they found a crowd of foreign tourists gathered around the aftermath of the brawl. Video footage captured by a bystander shows a male tourist wearing a black shirt delivering a forceful kick to the face of an American tourist dressed in a red shirt. The victim collapsed onto the road and lost consciousness following the blow.
Rescue workers confirmed the injured man was an American national. He was found unconscious with swelling around both eyes and visible facial bruising. First aid was administered at the scene before he was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Police detained three British nationals suspected of involvement in the assault and escorted them to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning. Both parties told investigators the incident stemmed from a verbal argument and a misunderstanding that escalated into violence.
According to a witness who observed and filmed the incident, the group had exited a beer bar shortly before the confrontation. The argument continued outside a nearby hotel, where the man in the black shirt allegedly kicked the American tourist in the face, triggering chaos at the scene.
Later, inspector at Pattaya City Police Station mediated between the parties. Both sides accepted responsibility and agreed to reconcile during the investigation, even sitting down together to resolve the dispute amicably.
Police issued fines of 1,000 baht per person to all involved on charges of fighting in a public place before releasing them. Authorities also issued a warning, stressing that such incidents damage Pattaya’s tourism image and will not be tolerated.
