PATTAYA, THAILAND – An Australian tourist allegedly refused to pay a 32,540 baht bar bill in a Soi Buakhao beer bar after a 13-hour drinking session. Staff brought the 53-year-old to Pattaya City police station. Cops are now checking orders and the bill before deciding on legal action.
The row centres on drinks allegedly ordered during the marathon visit. The bar says the final bill came to 32,540 baht.
The Australian disputes the amount and told officers the bill was not that high. Police say he still refused to pay.
Bar opened early for regular customer
The man allegedly arrived at the bar around 8 am on August 12, before regular opening hours. Owner Meleeya, 46, opened up for him anyway because he had visited other bars in the same group before and built a good reputation for settling his tabs.
The stay lasted until about 9 pm, according to staff. That means the Australian spent more than 13 hours in the venue.
Drinks for staff pushed up the tab
During the day, the man allegedly ordered drinks for several female employees. He also rang the bell multiple times to buy rounds for the entire staff.
That led many workers to join his table. The bar said the many orders eventually produced the 32,540 baht bill.
Refused to pay after rejected invitation
Later in the evening, the Australian allegedly invited one female employee to let him pay her bar fine and go out with her after closing. The woman turned him down.
According to the bar, the man then got angry and refused to pay for the drinks he had ordered for the staff during the day. Staff tried to sort out the row themselves before calling in police.
Police plan to question both sides again
The owner and staff took the Australian to Pattaya City police station. Investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Kanoknan Suksri invited both sides to give statements.
Police have logged the complaint as a daily record and will examine order data and the bill. Both sides will be questioned again once Thompson is sober. If no agreement is reached, police will proceed according to the law.
Warning for visitors in Pattaya
This case shows foreign visitors and expats in Pattaya how quickly the bill can mount through drink rounds and orders for staff. Anyone ordering drinks for others should ask for the running total and keep itemised receipts, according to the report.