Police from the Chonburi Provincial Police, Banglamung District, and Pattaya City held a meeting this week with security guards from entertainment venues in Pattaya to address concerns about tourist safety following a recent incident where two foreign tourists were brutally assaulted by security guards.
The meeting, held at Pattaya City Hall on June 6th, was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police. He was joined by Banglamung District Chief Weekit Manarojkit, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, Pattaya Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, and other officials.
Representatives from the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association, the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, and the Pattaya Tourist Police Volunteers were also present, along with 300 nightclub owners and security guards. The meeting was in response to a recent viral altercation on Soi 6, where two foreign customers were assaulted by bar guards, with one tourist being brutally kicked in the head after being knocked down. Although the tourist is pursuing legal action against his assailant, he was not seriously injured, according to The Pattaya News.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat emphasized that security guards must strictly adhere to the “5 Free” policy for entertainment venues, which includes:
- Free from children: Employees must be at least 18 years old, and customers must be at least 20 years old.
- Free from drugs: Venues must not allow illegal drugs on the premises.
- Free from weapons: Venues must not allow weapons on the premises.
- Free from human trafficking: Venues must not engage in human trafficking activities.
- Free from harm: Venues must provide a safe environment for customers, including having adequate security measures such as CCTV cameras and fire exits.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat also clarified the roles and responsibilities of security guards at entertainment venues. He stressed that security guards “are not law enforcement officers and must never engage in violence against customers.” Instead, they should aim to resolve incidents peacefully or promptly call the police if the situation escalates beyond their control.
photo TPN
