Pattaya, Thailand
A 39-year-old Chinese tourist died early on May 7th, 2026, after being severely beaten inside an unlicensed nightclub in Pattaya’s South zone, police said. Authorities are treating the case as a high-priority investigation, believing the victim was attacked by a group following an altercation involving a VIP table.
This story has been updated and ten people have been arrested. See here.
The incident occurred around 11:06 p.m. at a club Pattaya police publicly identified as the Vegas Exclusive Club, located in the Pattaya South area. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Center received a report of a serious assault and alerted police. Senior officers, including Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Katchamat, deputy commander of Pattaya City Police Station, along with investigators, local administrative officials, and rescue teams, rushed to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found the unidentified Chinese man unconscious inside the club with severe injuries: facial wounds, a swollen-shut left eye, a torn lip, and multiple bruises across his body. Rescue personnel provided immediate first aid, including CPR to sustain his life. He was removed from the venue but was pronounced dead shortly afterward despite continuous resuscitation efforts.
Club staff told investigators that the victim had been drinking heavily and playing snooker. He reportedly became agitated after asking for chalk for the cue, then jumped onto a VIP table belonging to other patrons. This action is believed to have provoked a confrontation. A chaotic group assault ensued, which staff attempted to stop. A second scuffle later broke out, leaving the man motionless on the floor. The alleged suspects whose nationality is not yet clear fled the scene. Some other foreign customers also left before police arrived.
Six club employees were taken to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning. Police have not fully accepted the initial witness accounts and are actively reviewing CCTV footage from inside the venue to establish the exact sequence of events and identify those responsible. The investigation is being overseen by Pattaya City Police, Chonburi Provincial Police, and Region 2 Police, with support from the National Police Office.
Local administrative officers inspected the premises and determined that the nightclub was operating without a valid license. Authorities plan to recommend that the Chonburi provincial governor order the closure of the venue due to its unlicensed and high-risk operations.
The death has raised concerns about safety and illegal nightlife operations in Pattaya, a major tourist destination. Police continue to pursue the suspects and have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The victim’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.
This is a developing story.
