PATTAYA, THAILAND – A dispute over a missing mobile phone between two groups of transgender people near Walking Street drew a late-night crowd of tourists at the beach access.
Meeting to settle dispute ends in a crush
Around 3:30 a.m., motorbike taxi drivers in South Pattaya reported that more than 30 people had gathered near the entrance to Walking Street to resolve an argument over an allegedly stolen mobile phone.
Witnesses said the confrontation unfolded in the parking area directly at the access to Walking Street along Pattaya Beach, where both Thai nationals and foreigners stopped to watch.
Previous day marked by argument and scuffle
According to those present, the trigger was an accusation that one group had taken a phone from the other, leading earlier to loud arguments and physical altercations.
The first major escalation reportedly occurred around 4 a.m. on 19 March in front of a shopping mall on Pattaya Beach Road, with videos of the incident circulating online.
Police intervened – but dispute remained unresolved
Recordings from that earlier incident were said to show a physical fight in which tourists who tried to intervene and calm the situation were unintentionally caught up in the crush.
Police later took those involved to the Pattaya City Police Station, but no final agreement was reached and the dispute carried over into the following night.
Tourists as audience amid applause and music
When the groups met again, the atmosphere remained tense as both sides negotiated while being tightly surrounded by onlookers.
According to reports, some in the crowd cheered, and music played nearby, including the Thai song “Bua Loy”, further intensifying the already confusing situation.
Brief scuffles before bystanders intervened
The dispute intermittently flared into minor scuffles before people from the surrounding area stepped in and separated those involved.
Witnesses said both groups had arranged to meet specifically to clarify the phone issue, but once again failed to reach any agreement.
Calls for better order
In the end, the gathering dispersed without any serious injuries being reported, although many tourists and local residents described the incident as unsettling.
Business owners in the area reportedly urged the authorities to strengthen surveillance around Walking Street and ensure greater order to prevent similar incidents in the future.