PATTAYA, THAILAND – A restaurant employee filed a police complaint after he was allegedly attacked by foreign tourists during Songkran festivities on Walking Street in South Pattaya.
Complaint filed after Songkran incident
On 16 April, Meji (41) went to the Pattaya City Police Station to officially report the incident. He lodged a complaint and described the course of events from his perspective.
According to his account, the confrontation took place during the Songkran celebrations on Walking Street in South Pattaya. Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, which in many places was accompanied by water play.
Water to the face sparked confrontation
The employee said he was standing in front of the restaurant where he worked when he noticed two foreign tourists. They were allegedly spraying water directly into the faces of other people.
Fearing that someone could be injured, he said he approached the pair and warned them. He stated that he wanted to prevent the situation from escalating.
Warning ignored and worker targeted
According to his statement, the tourists ignored the warning and instead pointed their water pistol at him. He said he was sprayed even though he had told them he did not want to join in.
The man reported that he then moved closer to the two tourists. He said he hit one of them with a paper sign normally used to attract customers to the restaurant.
Alleged blow with water container and injuries
The situation reportedly escalated further when one of the tourists allegedly struck him hard with a water pistol container. The restaurant employee was said to have sustained injuries in the process.
Only bystanders intervened and brought the confrontation to an end. After that, the injured man decided to go to the police.
CCTV footage handed to investigators
Meji said he submitted a formal complaint to the investigators. He also handed over CCTV video material that was supposed to document the incident.
Police were expected to review the footage and then decide on the next steps. According to the report, officers were expected to assess the evidence and act fairly toward all parties involved.
“Where should the line between ‘fun’ and dangerous behavior be drawn during Songkran – and what rules would make sense at hotspots like Walking Street?”
said the article, inviting readers to comment.
“Should tourists and locals face tougher sanctions over conflicts linked to water play, or is there mainly a need for more education and clear guidance on the ground?”
said the article, calling for public discussion.