PATTAYA — A security guard from XO Club, a nightlife venue in Pattaya, has publicly apologized after punching a 63-year-old British tourist identified as Mr. C with a single blow that knocked him to the ground on Walking Street. The incident has prompted tourism police to schedule additional training sessions for security personnel ahead of the upcoming Songkran festival.
Sarawut, 32, accompanied by XO Club manager Wilasinee Siriphoomchai, 45, met with tourism police officials on March 4 at the Bang Lamung District Office. They were joined by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Srithanyanan and Deputy District Chief Nathaphop Yomjinda, to explain the March 2 incident. The club representatives provided CCTV footage showing events leading up to the altercation.
Guard Explains His Actions
During the meeting, Sarawut apologized to the public, officials, and Mr. C for the incident that damaged tourism’s image. He explained that before the incident, the tourist was heavily intoxicated, and when he attempted to prevent the man from entering the establishment, the British man allegedly kicked him in the groin.
Sarawut admitted he lost his temper and could not control his emotions. He acknowledged his wrongdoing and reported that he had already met with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station, where the British tourist declined to press charges, with both parties having apologized to each other.
Club Takes Disciplinary Action
Club manager Wilasinee added that while she acknowledges the damaging nature of the employee’s actions, she wanted to provide context that the guard is typically even-tempered but reacted after being provoked by the tourist. The club has temporarily suspended Sarawut and plans to hold a meeting to issue stricter guidelines for all staff members.
Officials Respond with Training Initiative
Bang Lamung Deputy District Chief Nathaphop Yomjinda stated that the district office will invite all relevant agencies and business operators to a meeting to discuss preventive measures and enhanced penalties for such incidents.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Supharat Meeprecha, a tourism police investigator, said that the Tourist Police Bureau, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, has emphasized training security personnel who work at Walking Street and other venues frequented by tourists.
He stated that Pattaya tourism police have already conducted three training sessions for security guards in Pattaya, with 409 guards completing the program. Since the training began, there have been no violent incidents involving trained security personnel and tourists.
“Following this incident, Pattaya tourism police will organize a fourth security training program before the Songkran festival 2025 to prepare security personnel for safely managing tourists visiting Pattaya,” he added.
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