PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 26-year-old Japanese tourist was assaulted near Walking Street in the early hours of March 21, prompting a police investigation based on CCTV footage.
Incident near Walking Street
The assault occurred between 3:44 and 4:30 a.m. in the area around Second Road, South Pattaya Road and access streets near Walking Street. According to investigators, the alleged assailants were working as motorcycle taxi drivers for an app-based platform.
Police said the man had been standing in front of a building and talking on the phone when a driver approached him. Within about ten minutes, the situation escalated into an attack involving several people.
CCTV footage documents the sequence
Authorities reviewed surveillance camera recordings from several locations close to the scene. The secured footage showed the course of the incident and, according to police, allowed the identification of those involved.
The material was secured as central evidence and was being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Police did not provide further details about the exact contents of the recordings.
Medical treatment and departure from hospital
Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Center provided first aid at the scene before the injured man was taken to Pattaya City Hospital. He was admitted there for further treatment.
According to the current state of the investigation, the man left the clinic during or shortly after admission without continuing medical care. His present whereabouts were not known to police.
No formal complaint – investigations continue
The man was identified as Mr. Kanasashi, 26, a Japanese national holding a 60-day tourist visa. He had entered Thailand as a visitor.
By the time of publication, Pattaya City Police Station had not received a formal complaint from the victim. The lack of a criminal complaint could complicate the legal classification of those involved, but did not rule out official action by the authorities.
Tourist Police deploy special team
The Tourist Police initiated a special investigation after CCTV footage circulated on social media and raised concerns about safety in the nightlife area. Officers focused on clarifying what had happened and addressing public questions.
A team from Region 1 Tourist Police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Prapda Suksuntree and Pol. Lt. Col. Apichat Jarurak, collected witness statements, reviewed the video material and searched for the suspected group of app-based drivers.
Possible legal consequences
Investigators assumed possible involvement of motorcycle riders registered with Bolt, but stressed that suspects first had to be clearly identified and brought before a legally sound process. They emphasized procedural safeguards under Thai law.
Allegations of bodily harm and other offences under Thai law were under consideration. Police announced they would consistently pursue violent incidents in tourist areas and signaled a strict stance toward such cases.