Drunk British Tourist Stabbed in Thailand Refuses to Press Charges and Returns to Bars

February 13, 2026

A 22-year-old British tourist was stabbed in the thigh inside a convenience store in Pattaya, Thailand, early Friday morning, according to police. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on 13 February on Jomtien Beach Road, a busy area known for its nightlife and bars. Local police and rescue workers responded to the store after receiving reports of a serious assault.

Officers found the British man, identified as Daniel, with a stab wound in his left thigh. He had lost a lot of blood and seemed to be under the influence when first responders arrived. Emergency personnel gave him first aid before rushing him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police detained the suspect at the scene with help from witnesses. The 23-year-old Thai man, named Nattawat Chanthong, was taken into custody for questioning. Officers retrieved two knives, a fruit knife and a kitchen knife, from a trash bin near the store entrance.

According to preliminary statements from the suspect, he claimed that the British man and a friend approached him asking for drugs, which he denied selling. The situation reportedly escalated into a confrontation, during which the suspect said he was punched, breaking a tooth. He then followed the tourist into the store and stabbed him. Police have not confirmed this account and state further interviews will take place once the injured tourist’s condition improves. However, the victim was not interested in making a report after the incident. He released himself from the hospital and returned to the area of bars.

Thai authorities are continuing their investigation and have not yet formally charged the suspect. The injured tourist's condition was described as stable but serious after treatment at the hospital. Pattaya, a popular destination for nightlife and tourists, has ongoing concerns about crime and safety. However, authorities say most visits remain trouble-free. Police reiterated that visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and ask local tourist police for help if needed.