SATUN/PATTAYA, THAILAND – Two separate outbursts of violence by foreign nationals in Thailand left extensive property damage and stirred public concern over safety and foreign offenders.
Myanmar suspect accused of smashing 19 cars
In the early hours of 13 January, a 45-year-old man from Myanmar allegedly went on a rampage in La-ngu district, Satun province, damaging vehicles along a residential street. CCTV footage reportedly showed him first striking two parked cars with a stone before switching to a 29-inch digging tool with a handle to shatter windows and bodywork.
In total, 19 vehicles were damaged along the road. An eyewitness said:
“I was too frightened to intervene, the man appeared armed and aggressive.”
said an unnamed witness.
Arrest after chase and drug-positive test
La-ngu police apprehended the suspect after about an hour and seized the alleged tool used in the attacks. A crowd gathered outside the police station to protest what residents saw as senseless destruction and to demand accountability.
Investigators said the man, identified only as “Saw”, tested positive for illegal drugs and had entered Thailand illegally without a work permit. Car owners now faced high repair bills and administrative hurdles with their insurers.
Three charges and wider concerns over crime
Authorities brought three charges against the Myanmar national: property damage, illegal border crossing and drug use. Officials stressed that they intended to act firmly against foreign offenders regardless of nationality.
They said the case once again highlighted problems linked to illegal immigration and drug-related crime. Local residents called for stronger security measures in residential areas following the incident in Satun.
Drunk Belgian tourist held after 7-Eleven chaos
Around the same time, a separate incident in Pattaya involved a drunken Belgian tourist at a 7-Eleven in Bang Lamung district. According to staff, the man poured soda water over his head inside the store before smashing at least ten bottles of wine.
Employees were shocked but said they felt unable to intervene for their own safety. The tourist was later detained by police.
Police probe motives in both provinces
Local police in Satun and Chonburi provinces handled the two cases separately, and the exact motives remained under investigation. In Satun, officers considered drug intoxication and possible mental health issues as likely factors.
In the Pattaya case, authorities said extreme alcohol consumption was believed to have triggered the tourist’s behaviour. Both incidents fueled public resentment over the conduct of some foreign visitors and migrants, challenging Thailand’s tradition of hospitality.
Legal consequences and pressure for tighter security
Both men were expected to face Thai courts, where they could receive fines, prison sentences and subsequent deportation. Officials indicated that immigration and criminal sanctions would be pursued in line with Thai law.
The incidents prompted calls for increased police presence in residential districts and major tourist areas. Thai authorities came under pressure to reassure both locals and visitors that public safety would be protected more effectively.