Pattaya, Thailand – In the early hours of June 7th, 2025, a traditional Thai massage parlor in Pattaya was left reeling after a Russian couple allegedly refused to pay for services and fled the scene. The incident, captured on CCTV, has prompted the shop to warn other local businesses to stay alert during the ongoing low tourist season.
Ms. Anmanee Tantim, a 48-year-old employee at Smooth Day Thai Massage located in Soi Phratamnak 5, told The Pattaya News team the distressing event that unfolded on the night of June 6th. The couple, described as being in their 30s or 40s, well-dressed and appearing like typical tourists who said they were from Russia, requested an intensive traditional Thai massage. The staff accommodated their request, providing the service as per the shop’s usual standards.
After the session, when presented with the bill, the couple allegedly began to dodge payment. Ms. Anmanee explained that the shop clarified the pricing for different massage packages, but the couple expressed dissatisfaction with the rates. To avoid conflict the shop offered a discounted rate of 350 baht per person per hour for a standard package.
The couple agreed to pay via bank transfer and showed a payment slip to the staff. However, upon checking, the shop found no funds had been transferred. Before staff could intervene, the couple hurriedly hopped onto a black automatic motorcycle and sped off, ignoring calls to stop and wait for police verification.
CCTV footage clearly captured the incident, showing the couple fleeing on the motorcycle. The shop has since shared the footage on social media and with local media to raise awareness and caution other businesses about such scams. Ms. Anmanee highlighted the timing of the incident, noting that the low season and sluggish economy have already strained local businesses, making such deceit particularly damaging.
The shop has filed a formal complaint with Pol. Lt. Chaiyanares Pengkaen, Deputy Inspector at the Dongtan Substation of Pattaya City Police, providing the CCTV footage as evidence. Authorities are now investigating to track down the couple.
