Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand – June 24th, 2026
Pattaya police have arrested a 40-year-old British man identified as Richard after he allegedly threw a corrosive liquid, believed to be some type of acid, at a 43-year-old female caretaker of a guesthouse, causing serious injuries. The incident occurred on the evening of June 23rd in the Soi Arunothai 2 area of central Pattaya.
According to multiple Thai media reports, the suspect had been frantically searching for a 38-year-old Thai woman named Supranee (from Sisaket province), with whom he had been in a relationship for about five months. He reportedly could not find her and became agitated, leading him to bang on doors throughout the guesthouse. The caretaker, Ms. Wirawan, intervened to stop the disturbance, which affected other guests.
Witnesses, including another resident named Rose (age 33), described the man wearing a cap and long-sleeved shirt, repeatedly knocking on doors across floors. After being asked to leave, he allegedly returned and threw the substance from a container directly at the caretaker’s face and body. She suffered severe chemical burns and was rushed to Chonburi Hospital for treatment. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. on June 23rd.
The suspect was located today on June 24th near Soi Buakhao in the area of Soi Chalerm Phrakiat 19, where he was found angrily arguing with Supranee inside a rice-and-curry shop. He was demanding the return of his passport and money, claiming she and a transgender friend had taken them. Police and witnesses noted him appearing agitated, enraged, and “out of his senses” during the confrontation.
In his statement to authorities and reporters, the British man claimed he was innocent and only acted in self-defense. He claimed the caretaker had chased him with a machete, prompting him to grab and throw a cup of liquid without knowing its contents, insisting he believed it was merely cleaning solution. He denied any intent to harm and stated he was desperate to recover his documents to return to the UK. Supranee told police the man had a history of violent outbursts, damaging property and phones during their relationship, but admitted she had hidden his passport after a recent dispute involving drunken behavior and accusations of theft from her.
Police at Pattaya City Station took the man into custody and discovered during background checks that his visa had expired since February 2026, making him an overstayer. He faces charges for overstaying his permitted stay in Thailand, in addition to potential assault and chemical attack charges once the victim or her family files a formal complaint. The victim remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
