PATTAYA – Authorities are hunting for an unidentified foreign man who severely damaged an ATM outside an Indian restaurant in Pattaya after the machine swallowed his bank card during a failed transaction. The incident occurred on June 14 at approximately 4:35 PM near Thappraya Road in Chonburi province.

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The Deputy Investigation Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, was alerted to the vandalism and immediately notified Pattaya Police Chief Colonel Anek Srathongyu before arriving at the scene with a team of officers.

Upon inspection, authorities found the bank-owned ATM with its display screen forcibly detached from the main unit. While the machine’s cash compartment remained secure and undamaged, officers noted that the screen could not be reattached and was completely non-functional.

Eyewitnesses described the suspect as a tall foreign male who appeared intoxicated. According to their accounts, the man had repeatedly attempted to withdraw cash without success before the machine retained his card, prompting an enraged reaction.

“He was clearly frustrated,” said one bystander. “He started punching and kicking the screen, even kneeing it with full force. Eventually, the screen came loose. He grabbed what looked like a receipt—but no cash—and just walked away before police arrived.”

Lieutenant Kriangkrai has since contacted the bank to determine whether they will pursue legal action. Meanwhile, Pattaya’s investigative unit has been tasked with identifying and locating the suspect for further legal proceedings.

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The incident highlights ongoing concerns over public property damage in tourist-heavy areas, with authorities urging visitors to remain calm and seek bank assistance when facing ATM issues.

-Thailand News (TN)