PATTAYA, Thailand – Authorities raided a prominent nightlife venue in the heart of Pattaya’s Walking Street, following allegations of an alleged assault by its Indian manager on a tourist. The operation, conducted at 12:16 AM on September 30th, 2025, came after an incident on September 26th, where the manager allegedly orchestrated a violent assault on a VIP tourist.
Update: The manager involved has turned himself in to police and denied all allegations.
According to reports from the tourist, the manager, accompanied by personal bodyguards, allegedly attacked an Indian tourist, a regular high-profile patron known for settling bills the following day. The assault involved physical violence and even alleged threats with a firearm, including holding a gun to the victim’s head, over a disputed bill. The incident sparked widespread fear among tourists, tarnishing Pattaya’s reputation as a premier travel destination.
The raid was led by Mr. Patcharapat Sritanyanon, Banglamung District Chief, with orders executed by Mr. Nathaphop Yomjinda, Deputy District Chief, alongside immigration and tourist police officers, including Sub-Lt. Ingkwat Kriengsinkulyot, Sub-Lt. Phongcharoen Thongphaiboon, Sub-Lt. Jittisuk Sutheewitnawong, and Sub-Lt. Aphisit Phuengyam. Over 100 officers from Banglamung District Administration, Chonburi Immigration Police, Pattaya City Police, and Pattaya Tourist Police participated in the operation.
Inside the club, authorities found over 300 Thai and foreign patrons enjoying drinks and dancing. All activities were immediately halted, and individuals were required to present identification. Drug tests conducted on staff revealed nine employees testing positive for illegal narcotics. Further checks uncovered that over 40 foreign workers—hailing from India, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan—lacked proper work permits or held invalid ones. These individuals were detained for further screening, with foreign nationals taken to the Immigration Police Station for processing.
The manager and his bodyguards, the primary targets of the raid, were nowhere to be found. Despite initial contact with authorities, they failed to appear as promised. The club was ordered to cease operations effective immediately, with officials planning to recommend further closure to the provincial governor, citing the assault on the tourist and violations of labor laws.
Authorities vowed to pursue the manager and his accomplices relentlessly, aiming to curb mafia-like activities in Pattaya’s nightlife scene.
Some more information:
The President of the Pattaya Indian Association has urged business operators to take better care of tourists following an incident where a VIP customer was allegedly assaulted and threatened with a gun at a well-known club on Walking Street. Police are actively investigating to apprehend the perpetrators.
On the early morning of September 26th, a 33-year-old Indian tourist, in a state of shock and fear, filed a complaint with the Pattaya City Police Station. The tourist alleged that he was attacked by an Indian man, who is a manager of an Indian Club located in the heart of Walking Street, Pattaya, along with his personal bodyguard. The victim stated he was physically assaulted, beaten with a hard object on his leg, causing injuries, and had a gun pointed at his head with various threats. After receiving the report, the police coordinated with the investigative team to gather more information.
Mr. Laxman Singh, President of the Pattaya Indian Association, told reporters that he had spoken with a friend of the victim. It was revealed that the victim is a premium tourist at several Indian clubs in Pattaya, and it is customary for him to settle bills the day after dining or drinking.
On the day of the incident, the victim was at a different club when an Indian man (later identified as a manager) invited him to visit his club. The manager asked to borrow the victim’s gold necklace to wear. After some time, the victim asked for his necklace back, but the manager refused to return it, demanding that the victim settle the drink bill first. This led to an argument, which escalated when two security guards allegedly dragged the victim away, beat him with a hard object resembling a stick on his leg, and another Indian man pointed a gun at his head, forcing him to pay immediately. The victim’s passport was also confiscated.
Following the incident, the victim sought medical treatment and a physical examination at Pattaya Memorial Hospital before filing a complaint with the Pattaya City Police. The incident left the victim deeply shaken and wary of traveling in Pattaya.
Mr. Singh added that he urges operators to take better care of tourists, especially VIP customers, as such incidents should not occur. He expressed the importance of ensuring customer safety and called on relevant authorities to expedite the investigation and take swift action against the perpetrators.
Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, has ordered the investigative team to inspect the crime scene, gather evidence, and verify the facts. The police are currently awaiting the victim’s confirmation to identify the perpetrators (from photos) before issuing summonses and proceeding with legal action.
