PATTAYA, THAILAND – A US soldier allegedly attacked a friend on a Pattaya street, leaving him unconscious, before clashing with police during his arrest.
Street assault near hotel
The incident occurred on 9 March on a street near a hotel in Soi Pattaya 6, where rescue workers were called to assist an unconscious foreigner. According to a Thai rescuer, initial information indicated that the man had been attacked by a friend.
Video shows arrest struggle
On 10 March, a video emerged on social media showing four to five officers trying to restrain the man. In the footage, the foreigner appeared heavily intoxicated, resisted arrest and repeatedly shouted,
“Where is my wallet?”
said the report.
Attempted bite on officers
When officers tried to move the man in a pickup truck to the police station, he continued lashing out and apparently attempted to attack again. In the background, an officer could be heard warning,
“He’s going to bite me!”
said a voice in the recording.
Friend tries to calm situation
A companion in a white shirt tried to defuse the situation, urging the man to drink water to regain his composure. The friend also appealed to him to control himself and reminded him that a wife and children were waiting for him at home.
Rescuer describes chase and police support
The 32‑year‑old rescuer Jakkapong Wongphut told Chon Buri News and ThaiRath that the alleged attacker initially fled when his team arrived. His team then called Mueang Pattaya Police for support, leading to the confrontation later seen in the video.
No charges after private settlement
According to police, the two foreigners later settled the matter between themselves, and the victim did not wish to pursue legal action against his friend. The men were reportedly US soldiers who were believed to be in the region in connection with the Cobra Gold exercise.
Alcohol, tourism and enforcement debate
The case highlighted how quickly alcohol and a holiday mindset in party areas such as Pattaya could escalate into violence and dangerous situations for rescue workers and police. It also raised questions over whether authorities should act more decisively in such cases, even when victims later decline to file complaints, or whether de‑escalation and rapid private settlements were the better approach.