UDON THANI, Thailand – A 52-year-old Russian man was persuaded to leave a resort in Udon Thani on August 23 after he allegedly attacked the owner’s son and set fire to grass and rubbish outside his room, with Mueang Udon Thani Police and Tourist Police attending after the owner’s son reportedly fled the property and sought help from the emergency centre.

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Officers arriving at the resort found the Russian guest, identified only as Sergey, appearing intoxicated and unable to communicate clearly, prompting Tourist Police to be called in to assist local officers.

The 57-year-old resort owner, Kai, told police she no longer wanted Sergey to remain at the accommodation, citing concern for the safety of others there, and Tourist Police informed him that the owner wanted him to leave and would not permit him to stay any longer. Sergey initially refused but eventually agreed to leave peacefully after officers spent time persuading him, and no further official outcome, including any charges, was taken after he left.

Kai later showed police and journalists the area where the fire was reportedly started, stating that her son heard the Russian man shouting while setting grass and rubbish alight outside the property, and when her son approached to ask what he was doing, he was allegedly chased and attacked. The Hone Krasae news programme reported signs of a fire outside the resort and noted that grass around the room had been pulled out, gathered into piles, and burned together with rubbish.

Kai claimed Sergey’s unusual behaviour resulted from cannabis use, though police had not confirmed that allegation. The resort owner said Sergey was a regular guest who would generally stay in Thailand for about three months before travelling to Laos when his visa expired, and she had offered him a discounted rate because he was a repeat customer.

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During his latest visit, he had been at the resort for around a month, and Kai said he normally stayed alone and had not caused problems previously until this incident. The case highlights the challenges faced by resort operators in managing difficult guests while maintaining the safety and comfort of other visitors.

-Thailand News (TN)