PATTAYA — A motorcycle taxi driver surrendered to police early Sunday after allegedly stabbing an Indian tourist, claiming he was startled by the sound of birthday fireworks.
The suspect, identified by police as 34-year-old Thanwa, turned himself in to Pattaya City Police investigators shortly before 4 a.m. on Dec. 28. He faces questioning over an incident that occurred just after midnight during a birthday celebration.
According to investigators, Thanwa, who works as a ride-hailing driver, admitted to stabbing the unidentified Indian tourist but claimed the act was a panicked reaction to hearing fireworks.
However, witnesses at the party disputed the suspect’s account, telling police that no fireworks were set off. They stated the only loud noises were from balloons popping. Surveillance footage also shows Thanwa lunging at the Indian tourist and stabbing him in the back.
Police were able to track the suspect after surveillance footage from the scene clearly captured the license plate of his motorcycle as he fled the area.
Authorities said investigators are waiting for the Indian tourist’s condition to stabilize before conducting an interview. While the suspect is in custody, formal charges have yet to be finalized pending the victim’s statement and a full conclusion of the motive.
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