Pattaya – On the evening of September 4th, 2024, Pattaya City Police received a distressing report of an assault on a foreign national. The incident took place near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram.
At approximately 10:06 p.m., Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, the Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to respond swiftly to the scene. The Pattaya News reporters accompanied the rescue teams.
Upon arrival, authorities found Mr. Rad M, an 82-year-old American expat, with a wound above his left eyebrow and blood covering his face. Rad, who overall despite the scary situation was calm, recounted through an interpreter that he regularly exercised in the area without any prior incidents. On this occasion, however, he was suddenly attacked for no reason by a dark-skinned Thai man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old.
Mr. Rad managed to seek help from nearby residents. Rad mentioned he has lived in Pattaya for 24 years and is former American military, which helped him handle the situation. Despite his age, Rad exercises multiple days a week and remains in great shape, managing to get away from his much younger intoxicated assailant.
Mr. Surachai Kaenthongcharoen, a 45-year-old park security officer, reported that a villager had informed him of the assault on the foreign tourist. He observed a tall, intoxicated Thai man causing a commotion. Concerned for the injured man, Mr. Surachai promptly alerted rescue workers. During this time, the assailant managed to escape.
Pattaya City Police immediately broadcast a description of the perpetrator, as provided by the victim and witnesses, in an effort to intercept him along his expected escape route. Despite these efforts, the suspect remains at large as of press time around 2:00 AM on September 5th. Investigation officers have been dispatched to gather further evidence and track down the assailant to ensure justice is served.
Mr. Rad, who maintained a sense of positive humour despite the situation, received medical treatment at the scene and is expected to fully recover.
