PATTAYA, Thailand – A British tourist is in police custody following an alleged violent assault on a motorbike taxi driver in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident has brought renewed attention to tourist-related crime in the popular coastal city.

Foreign Suspect Flees After Assaulting and Robbing Bangkok Motorcycle Taxi Rider

According to Pattaya City Police, the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mr. J. M., was arrested following a physical altercation with a driver for the ride-hailing service Bolt. The confrontation reportedly began as a dispute over a fare.

Police Colonel Thanapong Phothi, superintendent of Pattaya City Police, stated that officers responded to a disturbance call near the Walking Street entertainment district at approximately 2:30 a.m. They found the Bolt driver, 41-year-old Mr. Somchai Mali, with visible injuries to his face and torso.

Initial investigations suggest the argument escalated when the tourist became agitated over the route taken. Witnesses reported seeing the foreign man punch and kick the driver before attempting to flee the scene. He was apprehended by local security guards a short distance away until police arrived.

British in Thailand
A 35-year-old British national was arrested on Walking Street in Pattaya early this morning for allegedly punching a young Bolt Taxi driver in the face and then trying to flee after a verbal dispute over payment methods. pic.twitter.com/opc6ePbrmP

— Dino (@Dino_mite2050) January 2, 2026

The suspect has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and faces potential additional charges related to causing a public disturbance. He is currently being held at Pattaya City Police Station for questioning and legal processing.

Mr. Somchai was treated for minor injuries at a nearby clinic. The Bolt company confirmed it is cooperating with authorities and providing support to the driver.

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This incident occurs amid ongoing efforts by local police to ensure safety for both residents and visitors during the busy tourist season. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict legal action against any individuals, foreign or local, who violate Thai law.

-Thailand News (TN)