Drunk Russian Man Arrested in Rayong for Drinking Beer Without Paying
Incident at a Som Tum Stall
A Russian man was arrested in Rayong on February 27 for drinking beer at a Thai food stall without paying and attempting to distribute the beer to others for free. The incident occurred at a som tum (papaya salad) stall on Road 4006, where the vendor, 35-year-old Yupaporn, called the police after the foreigner drank from a bottle of beer he took from her fridge.
Refusal to Pay and Escalation
According to Yupaporn, the man, later identified as Mark, a 53-year-old Russian, joined a group of men near her stall and continued drinking with them. When he returned for more beer, the vendor refused to serve him because he hadn’t paid for the first bottle. This refusal led to an argument, during which the foreign man approached Yupaporn, causing her to feel threatened. Concerned for her safety, she requested police intervention.
Mark’s Explanation and Claims
When the police arrived, Mark, using a translation app on his phone, explained his situation. He introduced himself as a retired police officer from Russia who had moved to Thailand to live with his Thai wife. Mark claimed that his wife had abandoned him, leaving him distressed. He said he walked over three kilometers to the restaurant and insisted that he had money to pay for the beer. Mark also wanted to buy drinks for the group of men near the stall but was refused service, leading to the argument. He assured the police that he had no intention of harming the vendor.
Drunken State and Police Action
Due to Mark’s intoxicated state, the police decided to escort him to the station to allow him to sober up before questioning him further. As of now, it remains unclear whether Yupaporn has received payment for the beer. The case continues as authorities review the situation.
