UPDATE: Thai Driver Claims Self-Defense in Assault of British Tourist in South Pattaya

Pattaya —

A Thai driver accused of assaulting a heavily intoxicated British tourist in South Pattaya claimed he acted in self-defense after the tourist allegedly became aggressive and hit him and his friend during a ride.

First our previous story:

An intoxicated British tourist was assaulted and left injured on Third Road in South Pattaya early yesterday morning.

Now for our update:

On November 19th, Mr. Manatchai, 30, and Mr. Jakkrit, 28, both technicians for an entertainment venue in South Pattaya, traveled to the Pattaya Police Station to file an official report. Both of them reportedly admitted to assaulting the British man but claimed it was in self-defense as they were allegedly attacked first.

According to their statement, the incident began when the unidentified foreigner, who had been drinking and was heavily intoxicated at a bar on Soi Buakhao, struggled to find transportation home as no taxi drivers were willing to give him a ride, saying he was too intoxicated.

The pair felt pity for the tourist, so they agreed to take him home in their pickup truck. However, once in the vehicle, the foreigner reportedly became aggressive, and physically assaulted Mr. Manatchai and Mr. Jakkrit, and demanded they take a route they had already explained was impassable.

When Mr. Manatchai stopped the car to explain the situation to the foreigner, the foreign man allegedly damaged Mr. Manatchai’s vehicle and escalated the altercation by punching and attacking both of the Thai men.