UDON THANI – A late-night bar incident in Udon Thani escalated into violence, leaving several people injured and triggering a police investigation. The altercation began when a Brazilian professional footballer was accused of attempting to leave without paying his bill, resulting in a physical confrontation that also involved a retired New York police officer.

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Police at Muang Udon Thani Police Station were alerted on the morning of December 15, 2025, to a dispute at a bar in the Soi Samphanthamit entertainment area. According to the bar owner, 29-year-old Ms. Kallayanee Kaewnok, the customer, identified as 42-year-old Brazilian national Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto, had run up a tab of approximately 5,100 baht. After drinking at the Tinder Bar from around 3 a.m., he reportedly claimed he could not pay because his banking application was locked.

When staff suggested he use a nearby ATM as the bar closed around 9 a.m., they grew suspicious as he repeatedly approached his car. A confrontation ensued outside the establishment. During the ensuing scuffle, 74-year-old American tourist and former NYPD officer Douglas Robin Barker, who was attempting to intervene and record the incident, was struck on the head and knocked to the ground. Ms. Kallayanee was also hit in the face when she tried to block the suspect’s car, and two male staff members sustained injuries.

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The suspect, identified in local media as a striker recently signed by Udon United football club, managed to retrieve his wallet from staff during the melee before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. All injured parties were advised to seek medical treatment and file formal statements. Police are continuing to gather evidence, and legal action is expected to follow.

-Thailand News (TN)