A very drunk Icelandic man was injured after allegedly harassing and getting into a fight with his Bolt driver in North Pattaya on Sunday night.
Muang Pattaya police and paramedics responded to an incident on Soi Chalermphrakiat 19 in the Nong Prue sub-district of Bang Lamung district, where they found an Icelandic man, identified only as Paul, in his 50s or 60s. He had suffered a head wound and had blood on his face. Also present at the scene were Nipon Thepmanee, 52, a Thai police volunteer from Muang Pattaya police station, who also had a head wound, and Jamsawai Jamsuwan, 43, a driver for the ride-hailing service Bolt.
Mr. Jamsawai reported that he had picked up Paul and a Thai woman from Soi Bua Khao and dropped them off at Soi Chalermphrakiat 19. However, Paul later realized he had given the wrong location and actually intended to go to Soi Khao Noi. Mr. Jamsawai explained the mistake and drove Paul and the Thai woman to Soi Khao Noi, mentioning that he also lived in the area.
According to Mr. Jamsawai, Paul was extremely drunk and verbally abusive throughout the ride, even reaching out to slap the driver on the head. Mr. Jamsawai then stopped the car and asked the Thai woman to take Paul out and find another ride.
Paul exited the car, slammed the door, and continued shouting at Mr. Jamsawai. He then grabbed the driver’s collar, slapped his neck, and forcefully pulled on his gold necklace, causing it to snap. In response, Mr. Jamsawai punched Paul in the face, leading to a brawl.
Mr. Nipon attempted to intervene and stop the fight but was allegedly punched by Paul, rendering him unconscious.
Following the incident, all three men were taken to Muang Pattaya police station for further questioning. Pol Capt Sonthaya Konsub, deputy inspector for crime suppression, stated that the police would ensure fair treatment for all parties involved.
Photo and credit Paramedics give first aid to a drunk Icelandic man identified only as Paul who sustained a head wound after he brawled with his Bolt driver in North Pattaya on Saturday night (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong).Bangkokpost
