PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 23-year-old Briton allegedly left a Thai man with serious head injuries in an apartment near Jomtien Beach and fled, prompting a police manhunt.
Assault in apartment near Jomtien Beach
The incident took place in late morning in a fourth-floor apartment of a building close to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. Responding to an emergency call, officers found 32-year-old Thongchai N. with severe injuries and had him taken to hospital.
According to police, the victim said that his acquaintance Robert, a British national, had come to see him at the apartment. The man was reportedly in a highly aggressive state and attacked him.
Witness alerted police
A female neighbor heard noises from the apartment, went into the corridor and called the police. She recorded the incident on her mobile phone, and investigators were using the video as evidence in the case.
After the assault, the Briton left the apartment. CCTV cameras on the ground floor captured him shortly afterwards, and he exited the building through the main entrance about seven minutes after leaving the unit.
Victim suffered serious head trauma
Thongchai sustained serious head injuries in the attack and was admitted to hospital. His exact condition was initially unknown, while police collected evidence in the apartment.
Among the seized items were pieces of sports equipment that investigators said could have been used as potential weapons. Forensic analysis of these objects was under way.
Suspect recently arrived in Thailand
Police stated that the Briton had been in Thailand only for a few months. He was not previously known to the authorities for any incidents, but his current whereabouts were unknown and officials considered him potentially dangerous.
Pattaya police reviewed all available findings and coordinated the search with the Immigration Bureau. Border checkpoints were alerted in order to prevent the suspect from leaving the country.
Police appeal for information
Investigators released CCTV images showing the alleged attacker. People who know where Robert is were urged to contact the police.
“People who know the whereabouts of Robert are asked to contact the police.”
said investigating officers.
If arrested, the Briton faced a charge of serious bodily harm. Authorities said the case was being handled as a priority.