British Tourist Arrested Following Acid Assault in Pattaya
British Tourist Arrested Following Acid Assault in Pattaya
PATTAYA, June 24, 2026 – Thai police have arrested a 40-year-old British man accused of throwing a corrosive liquid at a dormitory caretaker in Pattaya, leaving the woman with serious burns, while also discovering he had overstayed his visa.
The suspect, identified by authorities only as Richard, was taken into custody on Wednesday after police found him arguing with another Thai woman in central Pattaya, Chon Buri province.
Police said the victim, 43-year-old Wirawan, suffered severe burns to her face and body after being splashed with a liquid believed to be acid or another corrosive substance at a dormitory on Soi Arunothai 2. She was taken to hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
According to witnesses, the suspect had been walking through the dormitory knocking on doors while searching for a Thai woman, identified as 38-year-old Suporanee Penphon, and one of her transgender friends. Witnesses said he became agitated after failing to locate them.
Police said Richard told investigators he had been attempting to recover his passport, which he claimed had been taken by Suporanee and her associate. During an argument with the caretaker, who was not involved in the dispute, he allegedly picked up a container and threw its contents at her. He reportedly told officers he believed he was acting in self-defence and thought the liquid was a cleaning product.
Suporanee told police she had been in a relationship with the suspect for about five months and alleged that he had previously displayed violent behaviour, including damaging property and becoming aggressive during disputes. She said tensions had escalated over his missing passport and other personal disagreements.
Police also confirmed that Richard had overstayed his permission to remain in Thailand after his visa expired in February 2026.
Amarin reported that investigators are continuing to examine the assault, the circumstances surrounding the passport dispute and the suspect’s immigration status. Police said Richard is expected to face charges including overstaying his visa and assault causing serious injury, while officers are coordinating with the victim’s family to proceed with a formal complaint.
