PATTAYA — Police are searching for a foreign tourist who caused injuries and property damage after incorrectly lighting fireworks on Buakhao Road in Pattaya on Christmas night.
CCTV footage shows the incident occurred at 00:16 a.m. on December 26 when the tourist lit a large firework tube upside down outside a beer bar. The mishandled firework exploded at street level, sending debris into a nearby shop and causing injuries to several Thai and foreign pedestrians.
The suspect, described as a tall, heavily tattooed man wearing a black Under Armour shirt and cream-colored shorts, fled the scene via Soi Excite.
“The damage to our merchandise exceeds 20,000 baht,” said shop employee Ms. Maem (pseudonym), 38. “We’re fortunate the building didn’t catch fire, or it could have been much worse.”
Witness Sutthipong, 35, a food vendor, reported the suspect used what appeared to be a 10-shot firework tube. “He placed it upside down on the ground instead of pointing it skyward, causing a violent explosion that sent everyone running for safety,” he said.
Pattaya City Police Station is actively investigating the case. The suspect is approximately 185-195cm tall, bald, and heavyset. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
