Pattaya, June 3rd, 2026
Pattaya City Police were called to a physical altercation on Pattaya Beach early Wednesday morning after a transgender woman allegedly punched a 40-year-old Japanese tourist in the face during a heated argument over payment for companionship services. The trans woman, however, claimed self defense.
At approximately 00:46 on June 3rd, 2026, Pol Lt Col Chaiyonaret Pengkhan, Deputy Investigation Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of an assault. Officers, along with rescue volunteers, rushed to the scene on Pattaya Beach opposite Soi 7, only a short distance from the Pattaya City Police Station.
Upon arrival, police found Mr. Naoya, a 40-year-old Japanese national, bleeding heavily from facial injuries. The suspect, identified as Ms. Mitra, a 30-year-old transgender woman, was still at the scene and was detained along with the victim.
During police questioning, Ms. Mitra told officers that the Japanese tourist had initially approached her offering 5,000 baht for her companionship services. However, while heavily intoxicated, he haggled the price down to 3,000 baht and asked her to accompany him to his accommodation. When she realized the location was too far, she attempted to cancel the arrangement and requested 1,000 baht as compensation for her time. The tourist reportedly refused, leading to a verbal argument.
According to Ms. Mitra, the tourist struck her first, causing her to retaliate in self defense with punches that caused the injuries to his face. Police noted that both parties could face charges.
Both the victim and the suspect were taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further questioning. Officers are gathering evidence and statements from both sides to proceed with legal action impartially. Initial medical treatment was provided to the Japanese tourist at the scene by rescue personnel.
