PATTAYA, THAILAND – Two British tourists were found seriously injured on the roadside after a street fight on Walking Street in the early hours of 5 March, in what police and rescue workers described as an attack on a strongly built foreigner who apparently defended himself.
Morning brawl in Pattaya’s party strip
According to the Mueang Pattaya Police Station, the situation escalated at around 6:30 a.m. in the middle of Walking Street in South Pattaya. Duty officers received reports of a violent altercation involving injured foreigners.
Pol Lt Col Jittisuk Suthinitatwong, a deputy investigator, was notified of the incident and dispatched patrol officers to the scene. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were also sent to provide medical assistance.
Two Britons found unconscious on the street
At the scene, officers found a man identified by police as Mr. Lutfi (29), a British national, lying on the road. He had a dislocated hip, a laceration to his left eyebrow and abrasions on his body.
A second Briton, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, suffered a head injury and multiple scrapes. Emergency personnel said he appeared to be clearly intoxicated.
Rescue efforts and hospital transfer
Rescue teams provided first aid at the roadside while a growing crowd of tourists and onlookers gathered around the injured men. The busy entertainment strip remained congested as responders worked at the scene.
Both Britons were then transported to Pattaya International Hospital for further treatment. Police said they planned to formally question them once their medical condition allowed.
Third man stays and claims self-defense
A third man, described as a tall and muscular foreigner of about 30 years old, reportedly remained calm at the scene and cooperated with officers. Police did not disclose his identity or nationality.
He told investigators that the two injured Britons and possibly one or two other people had attacked him near a bar without any clear reason. According to police, he stated that he had only defended himself against the group.
Witnesses say dispute started in beer bar
Local residents and witnesses said the confrontation began in a nearby beer bar. There, a group of foreigners allegedly confronted and chased the strongly built man, who was reportedly accompanied by his Thai girlfriend.
They said the larger group tried to overpower him but he managed to fight them off. During the struggle, Mr. Lutfi reportedly lost his balance, crashed into a parked pickup truck and then fell to the ground.
Video appears to show attack and counter blows
Footage recorded by bystanders allegedly showed two British men, possibly supported by a third person, rushing at the larger man and throwing punches. The recordings came from the crowded, heavily frequented Walking Street.
In the crush of people, the bigger man appeared unfazed at first, according to initial assessments. He seemed to counter with targeted blows until passersby intervened and alerted the authorities.
Investigation continues as formal complaints pending
Police said that, so far, the injured Britons had not filed formal complaints because of their medical condition. Officers were still collecting testimony and reviewing available video.
The muscular man was taken to the police station to verify his identity, residence and exact role in the incident. He was later released while police announced they would formally question both sides after the Britons recovered and then proceed in line with legal procedures.
Pattaya’s ongoing problem with alcohol and tempers
Authorities pointed out that alcohol-fuelled fights in Pattaya’s nightlife scene, especially around Walking Street, occurred repeatedly. They cited the combination of heavy drinking and late-night revelry as a recurring risk.
Large crowds, late drinking hours and narrow streets were described as key risk factors. Police said nightlife hotspots in the city would continue to be monitored in order to safeguard public safety.