PATTAYA, Thailand – A chaotic scene unfolded at Central Marina shopping mall on Pattaya Second Road after a Chinese national, reportedly intoxicated, began causing a disturbance inside the premises, October 18.
Pattaya municipal enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene and coordinated with Pattaya Police to subdue the man. However, during the process of taking him into custody, the suspect suddenly grabbed a pen from one officer’s shirt pocket and stabbed the officer’s hand, causing injury.
Emergency first aid was administered on-site before officials successfully restrained the man and transported him to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings.
The incident has stirred a wave of criticism online, where locals expressed anger over what they see as growing problems linked to unruly foreign visitors. Comments ranged from sarcasm to frustration, with many demanding stricter screening and enforcement.
“Too many of these aggressive visitors are turning Pattaya into chaos,” one user wrote. Another added, “They should check whether he’s involved in any gray business or call-center gang — these people seem to be settling here in large numbers.”
The episode has reignited debate over Pattaya’s foreign resident management and the city’s capacity to handle a surge of tourists and migrants amid rising public concern about safety and law enforcement fairness.
