Foreign Tourist Assaults Waitresses & Police in Pattaya

Police subdue the tourist in Pattaya on 14 March 2015.

CHONBURI – An intoxicated Dutch tourist was arrested in the resort town of Pattaya last night after assaulting several waitresses and a police officer.

Police identified the suspect as Dennis Tagga, a 25-year-old tourist from the Netherlands. 

Yaowathida Chantho, a 38-year-old waitress at Aroi Dee Restaurant, said Tagga "looked like he was high on something" when he entered the restaurant on 14 March.  She said she asked him what he wanted to order, but Tagga refused to speak to anyone and simply sat on his seat.

Five minutes later, he reportedly started throwing tables and chairs at waitresses in the restaurant, including Yaowathida. 

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Pol.Lt. Sarayuth Saengpetch, a traffic police officer, said he was directing traffic in the area when he heard the commotion and tried to stop Tagga, but the tourist started attacking him and punched him in the face. Tagga also reportedly tried to reach for Pol.Lt. Sarayuth's handgun, so the officer called for reinforcement. 

Twenty police officers responded to the call and arrested Tagga. It is unclear whether he faces any charges.

Sanong Boonpanya, 60, later met with police and identified himself as the manager of the hotel where Tagga had been staying. According to Sanong, prior to the incident Tagga also went on a rampage and damaged property at the hotel. He eventually jumped from the window on the third floor and ran off, Sanong said.

"Luckily, the ground was sandy, so he didn't get injured," Sanong told police, "Hotel staff tried to bring him in and calm him, but he didn't care. So he went out and cause troubles, until he was arrested."

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