Pattaya event ‘did no stem from a minor injury ’ as portrayed by Daily Mail, says key
PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025 at 21:01
By presenting evidence of intoxicated misconduct and property damage, the Chan Buri Provincial Police publicly refuted European media reports about a tourist’s treatment by Pattaya police.
According to the widely read report published in the Daily Mail on February 2, Andrew Hopkins, 55, was detained, assaulted, and extorted by Pattaya police for 15,000 baht only for bumping into a vertical mark.
Chon Buri Provincial Police captain, Pol Maj Gen Thawatkiat Jindakuansanong, on Wednesday issued an formal declaration to the British Embassy and the internet. He called for a revision of the “misleading ” report, which he said had tarnished the reputation of Pattaya, its police force and Thai law enforcement.
According to Pol Col Chatree Suksiri, assistant chief and director for Chon Buri Provincial Police, the bill in the Daily Mail is wildly inaccurate. He emphasized that the tourist’s arrest was caused by destructive behavior and property damage, not by a simple accident, as the report claims.
He said the incident occurred on Nov 22, 2024, when Mr Hopkins, apparently intoxicated, caused a commotion by shouting violently and damaging an involuntary access wall at the Hi-Park House in Pattaya.
The home owner reported him to the authorities, who made an effort to quiet him at the scene. When he refused to cooperate, he was taken into custody and charged appropriately. The home owner later requested that his card be canceled.
After his discharge, Mr Hopkins, who weighs 135kg, returned to the same place and once again disturbed the people, prompting a renewed police answer.
According to Pol Col Chatree, the arrest was made in accordance with lawful techniques in response to voter issues and property damage.
According to Mr. Hopkins, who was quoted by The Daily Mail, they threw me onto the rear of a pickup truck and locked me in a body for about 36 hours.
An Englishman in there instructed me to simply follow their instructions and they would allow me leave. Finally, an Italian gentleman arrived and told me I had to give 15,000 baht in cash to get released. ”
According to Pol Col Chatree, there is no evidence of blackmail. “rather, the officers had secured Mr Hopkins ’ goods — documenting every stage before and after their return upon his release. ”
In addition to making several other states in the article about the robbery of his credit and debit cards and income, Mr. Hopkins claimed that when he was finally released, he was “strangely ” handed £120 in dollars and was forced to find his way home.
He is now pursuing states with Airbnb’s carriers and his own journey insurance, while the UK Home Office has lodged a formal complaint with Thai officials, the Daily Mail reported.
Pol Col Chatree reiterated that the management of Mr Hopkins ’ case was above-board and followed techniques.
According to him,” The Pattaya City Police totally adheres to legal standards to maintain public order and safeguard law-abiding people.” Anyone who feels badly treated can call or go to the office 24/7. ”