HUA HIN, Thailand – A British man faces deportation after a row at a currency exchange counter in Hua Hin. Police accuse him of threatening and insulting staff over a Western Union transfer that wouldn’t pay out.
The incident happened on Friday, August 7, around 3pm at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) exchange counter on Naeb-Kehardt Road. The man came to collect money sent via Western Union.
Wrong reference number sparks the row
Police said the payout could not be completed because of a wrong reference number. The Briton then allegedly insulted the two staff and demanded they hand over the cash.
He is accused of shouting more abuse and trying to get into the counter area to confront the employees.
Man tried to get behind the counter
Police claim he kept screaming and insulting the workers. They say he tried to push into the staff-only area to confront them.
Items at the exchange counter were scattered and damaged during the outburst. A video of the argument later appeared on social media, showing part of the scene.
Police pick up suspect for questioning
Officers found the man on Monday, August 10, and took him in for questioning. Police Lieutenant General Pisit Tanprasert, head of Police Region 7, also joined the interview.
Police identified the British national as Zane. Investigators said he admitted his involvement in the incident and acknowledged the charges against him.
Criminal charges pile up
Investigators filed charges of property damage, threatening or intimidating another person, face-to-face insult, and improper public behaviour. Police cited sections 358, 393, 392 and 388 of the Thai Penal Code.
Hua Hin police said the criminal case has been completed and forwarded to the immigration office of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Immigration told to start deportation process
The immigration authority has been told to begin procedures to revoke the man’s visa and deport him to his home country. Police justified the move by describing his behaviour as aggressive and violent, posing a potential danger to the public.
Emergency calls in Thailand can be made to 191. Hua Hin police station can be reached at 032-511027.