BANGKOK — Thai police have charged two nightclub security guards following the death of a 28-year-old British man in Bangkok after what appears to be a communication breakdown that escalated into a physical altercation.
The incident, which occurred around 2:05 AM on March 24, is under investigation by police officials including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and other senior officers who have ordered a thorough examination of the circumstances.
The Incident
According to witness statements and security footage, the British man, identified only as Nicholas, was seen running from Phibunsongkhram Bridge along Pracharat Sai 1 Road toward the 91 Karaoke establishment. When he attempted to enter the venue for unknown reasons, he was stopped by a 29-year-old bouncer named Boonchu.
This confrontation reportedly angered Nicholas, who shouted at the bouncer before backing away and continuing to yell as he headed toward Bang Pho intersection.
Shortly after, a second bouncer, 32-year-old Phurinat, emerged from the establishment and, together with Boonchu, followed Nicholas on a Yamaha Nuovo motorcycle. When they caught up with him, Phurinat reportedly asked, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
The British man appeared agitated and jumped onto the motorcycle. Boonchu pushed him away and attempted to communicate using a translation app on his phone, but Nicholas allegedly tried to grab the device.
Fatal Struggle
The situation escalated when Nicholas attempted to steal the motorcycle. Phurinat pulled him off the vehicle, leading to a physical struggle that caused the motorcycle to fall over. Boonchu then joined in, helping to restrain the British man by pinning him to the ground.
During the restraint, Phurinat straddled Nicholas’s waist area while leaning forward, and Boonchu locked his arms and pressed down on his head while the British man was lying on his side. Nicholas subsequently became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.
Investigation Ongoing
Both suspects have been questioned and maintain they had no malicious intent, claiming they were trying to help and that the confrontation resulted from a language barrier.
Investigators reviewing security footage have confirmed a chokehold was used during the restraint. The two men have been charged with jointly assaulting another person resulting in death.
Police are awaiting the official autopsy results from Phramongkutklao Hospital to determine whether the cause of death was asphyxiation from the restraint. These results are expected within seven days.
Police Colonel Apichai Huanjit, Superintendent of Bang Pho Police Station, stated that authorities have notified immigration police to coordinate with the British Embassy to contact the deceased’s relatives.
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