PATTAYA — In a disturbing incident that occurred just minutes into Christmas Day, CCTV footage has revealed how an 80-year-old Belgian tourist was violently attacked and robbed near his residence in Pattaya.
The incident took place shortly after midnight, ironically following a police ceremony deploying officers for holiday security.
According to surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, at 00:28 a.m., four teenagers on two motorcycles were seen entering The Village Pattaya housing complex. The group strategically positioned themselves to intercept Mr. Richard, a former electrician, who was returning home from Christmas celebrations at local entertainment venues.
The footage shows one of the teenagers attempting to engage the elderly tourist in conversation at the entrance of The Village Pattaya in Nong Prue Subdistrict. When Mr. Richard tried to walk away from the confrontation, the situation turned violent.
The assailants struck him on the head with a weapon, causing him to fall to the ground. They then robbed him of his wallet containing approximately 7,000 baht before fleeing the scene.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, including severe head wounds, Mr. Richard managed to get up and make his way to his caretaker’s house. His caretaker, Ms. Porntip, 38, immediately alerted the authorities after finding him covered in blood. Emergency responders provided immediate first aid before rushing him to the hospital.
Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, has ordered a comprehensive investigation, including radio broadcasts to intercept the suspects and deployment of investigative teams to gather additional evidence from the area.
____________
