A Thai-Irish couple has lodged a police report at Bang Saphan Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan following an alleged verbal assault by a Swiss national, identified as Mr. Mathias, at a local restaurant.
Mrs. Panicha, 55, and her 71-year-old Irish husband were dining with friends when Mr. Mathias reportedly approached their table and verbally abused them twice in an aggressive manner. Restaurant staff had to intervene to de-escalate the situation. Concerned for their safety, the couple decided to seek police assistance.
The couple believes the confrontation is connected to their prior complaint to the Phong Prasat Subdistrict Administrative Organization regarding Mr. Mathias’s dogs. They alleged that he frequently allowed his dogs to roam unleashed on Ban Suan Luang Beach, causing distress among locals and tourists. The beach has a municipal order prohibiting dogs, but the problem persisted, leading to fear and decreased tourism revenue.
The conflict initially began last year after reports of a foreigner being bitten by dogs and multiple incidents of people being chased or barked at by a pack of dogs on the beach. Local authorities intervened, and the Pong Prasat SAO ordered Mr. Mathias to remove his dogs from the area. However, Mathias’s lawyer has since filed an appeal to contest the order.
Police Lieutenant Ek-in Sonpromhom, the investigating officer, confirmed that authorities are conducting a thorough investigation and will take appropriate legal actions.
The ongoing conflict highlights tensions between local residents and the dog owner, with the issue impacting the region’s tourism and safety.