A German tourist was violently attacked by a group of about ten men on Pattaya Beach Road in Chonburi, Thailand.
Local police in Pattaya swiftly arrested three suspects involved in the assault, which has tarnished the city’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The incident occurred around 4:06 am on 25th March, with emergency services and police quickly arriving on the scene following reports of an assault.
The victim, identified as Mr. David Adrian Lelonek, 40, suffered extensive injuries, including facial wounds and a laceration above his left eyebrow. Rescuers promptly provided first aid before rushing him to hospital.
Mr. Lelonek, speaking through a translator, informed the police that he was unsure of the attack’s details but recalled being overwhelmed by approximately ten attackers. In a panic, he fled on a motorbike to seek help from locals until authorities arrived.
Eyewitness footage recorded by a bystander showed the severity of the assault, with the gang punching, kicking, and even using a helmet to beat the tourist, despite onlookers’ attempts to intervene.
Pattaya’s Deputy Investigation Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arus Saphanont, quickly led an investigation, resulting in the arrest of three men nearby: Mr. Ta, 18, Mr. Benz, 25, and Mr. Sek, 27.
The suspects admitted to their involvement, claiming they misunderstood the situation as a fellow motorbike taxi driver was involved, and wanted to defend him, even acknowledging their excessive violence.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Arus expressed deep concern over the assault captured in the video, highlighting its damaging impact on Pattaya’s image.
He urged locals not to resort to violence, stressing the importance of involving police in such incidents to preserve the city’s appeal and economy. The investigation remains ongoing to apprehend the remaining attackers as the injured tourist pursues formal charges.