A Russian tourist was attacked outside the Pattaya City Police Station in the early hours of January 22, 2025, after a local woman mistakenly believed she was being filmed during his livestream. The incident has led to assault charges against the woman.
Evgenii, a 45-year-old Russian national, reported the incident to police around 4:30 a.m. He alleged that the woman, who had been standing near a coconut tree along Pattaya Beach, became confrontational when she assumed she was being recorded. Despite attempts by her companions to calm her, the woman crossed the street, pulling him off balance and causing minor injuries to his knee.
During the police investigation, Evgenii presented footage from his livestream, which showed that he had not intentionally filmed the woman. Authorities used this evidence to file charges against her for assault causing bodily harm. Under Thai law, this offense is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
The incident sheds light on ongoing challenges in Pattaya’s beach areas, where women colloquially referred to as “coconut tree ghosts” often approach tourists. A Ministry of Social Development and Human Security decree issued in October 2023 shifted the handling of prostitution-related cases from police to civil authorities. Under the revised procedures, officers document evidence and forward cases for legal processing rather than detaining individuals.
Police efforts in the area focus on maintaining public order and resolving disputes through fines or warnings to protect the city’s tourism reputation.
