Udon Thani, Northeastern Region –
In Udon Thani, Northeastern Thailand, a 44-year-old British man is facing charges for assaulting a gas station employee.
Lieutenant Colonel Thanadet Bussababodin from Udon Thani Immigration reported to the Thai media on Thursday, May 23rd, that the incident occurred the previous day at a gas station in Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani City. The British man, identified only as Mr. Davis, struck Mr. Jirawat Sunthorn, 25, while he was refueling his vehicle. Mr Davis also falsely claimed to be an immigration officer.
Mr. Davis, who resides in Udon Thani City on a Guardian Visa with his Thai wife and their 18-year-old daughter, is fluent in the local Esan and Thai languages. Lieutenant Colonel Thanadet confirmed that after checking with the Immigration Office and Tourist Police in the region, there is no record of Mr. Davis ever serving as an assistant Immigration officer. It is believed that Mr. Davis was under the influence of alcohol during the incident and was not making coherent statements.
Upon being contacted by the authorities, Mr. Davis acknowledged his intoxication and expressed remorse for his actions, offering an apology to the victim and the Thai public.
Mr. Davis has agreed to provide an undisclosed amount of compensation to the victim. Mr. Davis is scheduled to present himself to the Udon Thani City Police on Friday, May 24th, to respond to the legal charges against him. It is unclear if the incident could possibly affect Mr. Davis’s Guardian Visa, although Immigration noted that since his daughter is now eighteen this would need to be reviewed regardless.
