PATTAYA, Thailand – What began as a seemingly ordinary evening at a central Pattaya apartment building quickly turned into a violent and chaotic incident after a British man allegedly threw a corrosive liquid at a female caretaker, leaving her seriously injured. A 40-year-old British man, Mr. Richard Langford, has been arrested after allegedly carrying out the attack during what police say was a frenzied search for his missing Thai girlfriend.
The incident took place on the evening of June 23 at a guesthouse in Soi Arunothai 2, Central Pattaya. The victim, a 43-year-old caretaker identified as Ms. Wirawan Apimethithamrong, sustained severe injuries after being splashed with what police believe was an acidic substance. Police said the confrontation stemmed from Mr. Langford’s attempt to locate his Thai girlfriend, who was not found at the location. In a state of agitation, he reportedly moved through the building knocking on doors before the attack occurred.
At the scene on June 24, investigators found burn marks on household items including a cushion and a doormat, consistent with exposure to a corrosive chemical. A 33-year-old resident, identified as “Rose” (pseudonym), told reporters she saw Mr. Langford wearing a cap and jacket walking through the building knocking on doors from the upper floors down. She said he returned twice and was followed by the injured caretaker, who later told residents that he was not a guest of the property.
Rose said she later heard screams and rushed downstairs, where she found the caretaker suffering severe burning pain after being splashed with a chemical substance. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene. Shortly after the incident, a tip-off from a local resident led reporters and police to a nearby area in Soi Chalerm Phrakiat 19, near Soi Buakhao, where Mr. Langford was found arguing with a Thai woman at a local food shop.
He was reportedly behaving erratically and demanding the return of his passport and money so he could leave Thailand. Officers from Pattaya City Police were called to the scene and managed to take him into custody. During questioning, Mr. Langford claimed he was searching for his Thai girlfriend and a transgender friend, alleging they had taken his passport. He said he went to the apartment because the individuals had previously brought him there and he believed they might be inside.
He claimed he picked up a glass containing liquid during the confrontation and threw it without knowing it contained a corrosive substance, insisting he believed it was household cleaning liquid. He also alleged he acted in self-defense after being threatened with a machete, a claim not yet confirmed by police. Mr. Langford further stated he believed he had been “deceived and left financially ruined” by his Thai partner, which triggered his emotional state prior to the incident.
The Thai woman involved, identified as Ms. Supranee, 38, from Sisaket province, told police she had been in a relationship with Mr. Langford for around five months. She said he had a history of aggressive behavior, including destroying property and damaging mobile phones. She also claimed she took his passport after he left the accommodation without paying rent and later handed it to a friend for safekeeping. She said tensions escalated after repeated disputes, including accusations of theft and disruptive behavior.
Police confirmed Mr. Langford had overstayed his visa since February 2026. He is now facing charges related to immigration violations, while further charges relating to the attack are being prepared. The injured caretaker remains under treatment at Chonburi Hospital. Police are coordinating with the victim’s family to pursue legal action.
