A foreign man allegedly threw chemical acid at a female apartment worker in Pattaya, leaving her critically injured with severe burns. The attack took place at around 8.40pm on 23 June 2026 at an apartment building in Soi Arunothai 2. The 43-year-old victim, Ms Wirawan Aphimetheethamrong, suffered burns to her face, chest and shoulders, with reports indicating more than 40% of her body was affected.
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Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation and officers from Pattaya City Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of a chemical attack. By the time emergency personnel arrived, members of the public had already helped transport the victim to hospital. Investigators found chemical residue throughout the reception area, while furniture, documents, carpets and other items showed signs of corrosion and melting.
According to apartment staff, the suspect had been visiting the building while searching for his wife or girlfriend, who had previously stayed there but no longer lived at the property. Witnesses said the man had been knocking on residents’ doors, disturbing tenants and causing concern among occupants. Ms Wirawan approached him and asked him to stop bothering residents and leave the premises.
Witnesses told police that the foreign man became angry after being challenged and left the building. He allegedly returned a short time later carrying a container filled with what appeared to be chemical acid. He then walked to the reception counter and threw the liquid directly at Ms Wirawan before fleeing the scene.
A colleague, Ms Meena, 29, told police that the suspect was a Caucasian man believed to be in his mid-thirties. She said he did not live at the apartment complex but had frequently entered the building and wandered between floors, causing concern among residents. Apartment staff had previously photographed the man because of his repeated disruptive behaviour and later handed the images to police.
The Daily News reported that the police have classified the case as a serious violent crime and launched an investigation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the apartment building and nearby areas in Soi Arunothai to identify the suspect and trace his movements after the attack. The man remains at large, and police have appealed for information that could assist in locating and arresting him.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 24 June 2026