PATTAYA, THAILAND – A tourist from Turkmenistan caused trouble for police in the early morning hours due to his outright refusal to pay his tab.
The bill, please – and the guest says no
Around 00:35 on June 12, the staff of the club “Imperia” raised the alarm. The approximately 50-year-old tourist, according to the venue’s security staff, refused to settle his accumulated costs for food and drinks. City officials and a security team from Walking Street were quickly on site. The man from Central Asia appeared intoxicated; a check revealed three outstanding bills totaling 3,740 Baht, which he did not want to pay.
First reconciliation falls flat
Officers attempted to mediate to resolve the matter quickly. However, the tourist showed no sign of cooperation and rejected any payment. No compromise was in sight. Therefore, the initial responders decided to take the man and the club manager to the nearby tourist police station.
A second attempt, a second failure
At the tourist police service point, also directly on Walking Street, another attempt at reconciliation took place. Again, officers spoke to the guest and tried to reach an agreement with the venue manager. This attempt also failed to sway the man. He remained firm and made no move to pay the money. Thus, the last out-of-court attempt failed.
Excursion ends at the station
The tourist police then handed the man over to investigators at the Pattaya City Police Station in Soi 9. He will now be further investigated under Thai law. The authorities have so far left open what specific charges the holidaymaker may face. The bills remained unpaid for the time being.
Alcohol, debts, and the lively nightlife
The incident illustrates the daily synergy between city officials, tourist police, and volunteers in Pattaya’s entertainment districts. Walking Street, as one of the busiest tourist areas, is regularly patrolled by multiple authorities. The case is now with the investigators, who will decide on further proceedings. The tourist must prepare for legal consequences in Thailand.